Distinguishing Between Hire & Rent

Hire vs Rent

Although the terms hire and rent seem to be used interchangeably, there is a difference between them. Both words have two meanings: ‘to pay for the use of something’ and ‘to sell the use of something,’ and they are used as both verbs and nouns in the English language. Hire originates from the Old English word hȳrian, while rent comes from Middle English. Phrases like “for hire” and “for rent” are also used in English.

What does Rent mean?

Rent is usually used in situations involving a longer period of time, such as “renting a house,” “rent a flat,” or “rent a TV.” All of these expressions involve a long period. For example:
– How much would it cost me to rent a two-bedroom house?
– How much would I need to rent an apartment in the city?

In both sentences, the word “rent” is used in a situation requiring a long duration of time. You do not rent an apartment or a two-bedroom house for just a few hours. In American English, the two words are often interchanged, and “rent” is used in situations requiring both long and short periods of time, such as “rent a car.”

What does Hire mean?

Conversely, the word “hire” is used in situations requiring a shorter period, such as “hiring a bike” or “hire a cycle.” These expressions involve a short period, as you would typically hire a bicycle for just a few hours. For example:
– He hires a bicycle daily to go to his office.
– She hired a car to go to her friend’s funeral.

In both sentences, the word “hire” is used in a situation requiring a short duration of time. You do not hire a bicycle or a car for a long period like an apartment.

Key Takeaways

• Both hire and rent have two meanings: ‘to pay for the use of something’ and ‘to sell the use of something.’
• Rent is typically used in situations involving a longer period of time, while hire is used in situations requiring a shorter period.
• In American English, the two words are often interchanged and used in both long and short durations of time.