What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rebate
Example
The company offered a $50 rebate on the purchase of their new product. [rebate: noun]
Example
The store rebated 10% of the purchase price as a promotional offer. [rebated: past tense verb]
discount
Example
The store offered a 20% discount on all items during the holiday season. [discount: noun]
Example
The customer was able to discount the price by negotiating with the salesperson. [discounted: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discount is more commonly used than rebate in everyday language. Discount is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while rebate is less common and refers specifically to a partial refund after purchase.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rebate and discount?
Both rebate and discount can be used in formal and informal contexts, but rebate may be slightly more formal due to its association with business and finance.