What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defray
Example
I offered to defray the cost of my friend's plane ticket. [defray: verb]
Example
The company agreed to defray some of the expenses for the business trip. [defray: verb]
pay
Example
I need to pay the rent by the end of the month. [pay: verb]
Example
The company will pay me for my overtime work. [pay: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pay is more commonly used than defray in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts. Defray is less common and is often used in specific situations where the speaker wants to emphasize that they are not responsible for the expense.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between defray and pay?
Pay is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while defray is more formal and is less commonly used in everyday language.
