repay

[rɪˈpeɪ]

repay Definition

• 1. pay back (money that is owed)
• 2. do or give something as recompense for (a favor or kindness received)

Using repay: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "repay" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I need to repay my student loan.

• Example

  He repaid her kindness by helping her move.

• Example

  She repaid the favor by cooking dinner for him.

• Example

  I will repay you for your help.

repay Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for repay

• reimburse
• refund
• compensate
• remunerate
• reciprocate

Antonyms for repay

• borrow
• owe
• default

Phrases with repay

• repay in kind

  respond to a harmful or negative action with a similar one

  Example

  She was known to repay in kind anyone who crossed her.

• repay the compliment

  respond to a compliment by giving one in return

  Example

  When he praised her work, she repaid the compliment by complimenting his work as well.

• repay the debt of gratitude

  show appreciation for a favor or kindness received by doing something in return

  Example

  She felt she could never fully repay the debt of gratitude she owed her mentor.

Origins of repay

from Old French 'repayer', from 're-' (expressing repetition) + 'payer' (to pay)

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Summary: repay in Brief

To 'repay' [rɪˈpeɪ] means to pay back money that is owed or do/give something in return for a favor or kindness received. Examples include 'I need to repay my student loan.' and 'She repaid the favor by cooking dinner for him.' Phrases like 'repay in kind' denote responding to a negative action with a similar one, while 'repay the debt of gratitude' refers to showing appreciation for a favor or kindness received.