sublet

UK[ˌsʌbˈlet]US[ˈsʌbˌlet]

To rent to someone else a property that you are already renting from its owner.

A property that is rented by someone who is themselves renting it from the owner.

Morpheme Breakdown

sub

let

sub

under

let

allow to use

Etymology

The word 'sublet' is a modern English compound formed from the Latin prefix 'sub-' and the Old English verb 'let'. The Latin 'sub-' carries the sense of being under or secondary, implying a delegation of authority. The Old English 'let' (to allow or grant the use of) is a common term in property rental. Combined in the early 19th century, the term logically describes the action where a primary tenant, who is 'under' the landlord, 'allows' another party to use the property, creating a secondary rental arrangement beneath the original lease.

Analysis

Structure: sub (under) + let (allow to use) - sub: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "under, below, or secondary." - let: A verb of Old English origin (lǣtan) meaning "to allow, to permit to use."

Examples

The tenant decided to sublet his apartment while he was studying abroad for a year.

We found a great sublet in the city center for the summer months.

Her lease explicitly forbids her to sublet the property without the landlord's written consent.