prêt

Prêt is a French word that functions as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it means ready or prepared. The masculine singular form is prêt, the feminine is prête, and the plural forms are prêts (masculine) and prêtes (feminine). It appears in common phrases such as prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) and prêt-à-manger (ready-to-eat).

As a noun, un prêt denotes a loan: money lent under agreed terms, typically with interest. The plural is prêts. Loans are provided by banks or other lenders and documented in a contract that specifies the principal, interest rate, and repayment schedule. The related verb is prêter, meaning to lend; the past participle used in compound tenses is prêt (masculine) or prête (feminine).

Etymology: the senses of prêt derive from Old French pret and the verb prêter, ultimately tracing to Latin praestare, meaning to furnish or provide. This common origin links the idea of being ready with the act of furnishing or supplying funds.

See also: prêt immobilier, prêt personnel, prêt bancaire.