The word ‘Redeem’ (verb) means to buy back, recover, or make amends for something. In this guide, you’ll learn the full definition, synonyms, antonyms, etymology, and real-life examples of how to use ‘Redeem’ correctly in sentences.
Redeem Explained in Depth
A complete and detailed guide to the word ‘Redeem’ including meaning, definition, examples, etymology, synonyms, and antonyms.
Meanings of Redeem
Redeem means to recover or regain possession of something in exchange for payment or by fulfilling an obligation. It can also mean to make up for past faults or mistakes, to rescue from sin or error, or to fulfill a promise or commitment. In financial terms, it refers to paying off a debt or reclaiming an item that was pledged as collateral.
For example, you might redeem a coupon at a store for a discount, or you might redeem yourself by apologizing and making amends for a mistake you made. The word often carries a sense of making something right or fulfilling a moral or financial obligation.
Definition
Redeem making up for something that went wrong or paying a debt, both literally and figuratively. When you redeem yourself, you actively improve your reputation by doing something positive to offset a previous mistake or failure.
Similarly, you might redeem a gift card by using it to buy something. Essentially, to redeem means to restore, rescue, or exchange something so it becomes valuable or right again.
Etymology
The word “redeem” comes from the Latin redimere, meaning “to buy back,” which itself comes from re- (“back”) + emere (“to buy”). This reflects the idea of regaining something that was lost or pledged by paying its value or fulfilling a requirement.
- Latin: redimere (“to buy back”) — from re- (“back”) + emere (“to buy”)
Example Sentences
- She worked hard to redeem herself after the mistake she made at work.
- You can redeem this voucher at any participating store.
- He promised to redeem the loan by the end of the year.
Redeem Synonyms
- Recover
- Regain
- Retrieve
- Repay
- Atone
- Compensate
- Rescue
- Save
- Restore
- Make amends
Redeem Antonyms
- Forfeit
- Lose
- Surrender
- Neglect
- Condemn
- Abandon
- Ignore
- Overlook
- Disregard
- Waste
FAQs about Redeem
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the word “Redeem”
1. What does “redeem” actually mean?
It means to recover something by paying for it or to make up for a past mistake or failure.
2. Can “redeem” be used in financial contexts?
Yes! It often refers to paying off a debt or reclaiming something that was pledged as collateral.
3. Is “redeem” always positive?
Usually, yes it implies restoring something valuable or righting a wrong. However, it can also mean to pay a debt, which may feel neutral in tone.
4. How is “redeem” different from “refund”?
“Refund” means to give money back, while “redeem” means to recover, fulfill, or make amends for something—often involving an obligation or debt.
5. Can I use “redeem” in casual conversation?
Yes, it fits in both casual and formal contexts, from “I need to redeem this gift card” to “He tried to redeem himself after the mistake.”