What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
redeem
Example
I redeemed my loyalty points for a free movie ticket. [redeemed: verb]
Example
He tried to redeem himself by apologizing for his mistake. [redeem: verb]
Example
The hero's actions helped to redeem his tarnished reputation. [redeem: verb]
retrieve
Example
I need to retrieve my keys from the lost and found. [retrieve: verb]
Example
The IT team was able to retrieve the deleted files from the computer. [retrieve: verb]
Example
The mountaineer had to retrieve his equipment from the base camp. [retrieve: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retrieve is more commonly used than redeem in everyday language. Retrieve is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while redeem is less common and often used in specific contexts such as rewards or moral redemption.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between redeem and retrieve?
Both redeem and retrieve can be used in formal and informal contexts, but redeem may be associated with a more formal or moral tone due to its association with redemption and rewards.