repay

[ ri-pey ]

verb (used with object)

, re·paid, re·pay·ing.

1. to pay back or refund, as money.

   Synonyms: indemnify, reimburse

2. to make return for:

   She repaid the compliment with a smile.

3. to make return to in any way:

   We can never repay you for your help.

   Synonyms: reward, requite

4. to return:

   to repay a visit.

verb (used without object)

, re·paid, re·pay·ing.

1. to make repayment or return.

repay

/ rɪˈpeɪ /

verb

1. to pay back (money) to (a person); refund or reimburse
2. to make a return for (something) by way of compensation

   to repay kindness

Derived Forms

• reˈpayable, adjective
• reˈpayment, noun

Other Words From

• re·paya·ble adjective
• re·paya·bili·ty noun
• re·payment noun
• nonre·paya·ble adjective
• nonre·paying adjective
• unre·paid adjective
• unre·paya·ble adjective
• well-re·paid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of repay¹

From the Middle French word repaier, dating back to 1520–30. See re-, pay ¹

Example Sentences

Under the current rules, tenants have to repay this discount to the council if they then sell the property on within five years of buying.

From BBC

Sam said Annie "always used to complain about me not ever mentioning her" but hopes he has "repaid her" with the single.

From BBC

He insisted on taking her out to dinner at a barbecue restaurant on La Brea Avenue to repay her for her help.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2023, loan terms were increased from 30 to 40 years and repayment threshold salaries were lowered, from £27,295 to £25,000, meaning more graduates will be repaying their loans, for longer.

From BBC

As well as grants, which do not have to be repaid, support can be topped up with loans.

From BBC

Related Words

• compensate
• offset
• pay back
• refund
• reimburse
• restore
• reward