Redeem
/rɪˈdiːm/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo buy back something previously owned; to regain possession.
/rɪˈdiːm/
To buy back or regain possession of something.
He managed to redeem his pawned watch.
💡 Simply: Imagine you lost your favorite toy, but then you found it in a pawn shop. Redeeming it means you pay money to get it back. It's like reclaiming something you had before.
👶 For kids: To get something back that you lost or gave away by paying money.
More Examples
The vouchers can be redeemed for cash at any branch.
I need to redeem myself after that mistake.
How It's Used
"The company redeemed its bonds early."
"The king redeemed his ancestral lands from the usurpers."
To compensate for faults or bad aspects; to make amends or offset.
/rɪˈdiːm/
To compensate for the faults of something.
The company's commitment to environmental sustainability partly redeems its poor record on labor rights.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, even when something is bad, there's a way to make it better. Think of a bad day at the beach being 'redeemed' by a beautiful sunset. It's like turning a minus into a plus.
👶 For kids: To make something good after it was bad.
More Examples
His late goal redeemed a disappointing performance.
The stunning scenery redeemed the otherwise difficult hike.
How It's Used
"Her later work redeemed her early failures."
"The beautiful sunset redeemed the otherwise dreary day."
To fulfill a promise or obligation; to bring about salvation or deliver from a problem.
/rɪˈdiːm/
To fulfill a pledge or promise.
The politician promised to redeem the public's trust.
💡 Simply: When you 'redeem' a promise, you actually do what you said you would do. It's like keeping your word and proving you can be trusted.
👶 For kids: To do what you said you would do, like keeping a promise.
More Examples
He redeemed his pledge to donate to the charity.
The hero sought to redeem the kingdom from the dragon.
How It's Used
"He came to redeem humanity from sin."
"The company redeemed its promise of providing quality service."
Synonyms
Reclaim
Recover
Atone
Compensate
Offset
Fulfill
Keep
Idioms & expressions
redeem oneself
To restore one's reputation after a mistake or negative action.
"After the scandal, the politician worked hard to redeem himself in the eyes of the public."
From Old French *redimer* (to buy back, ransom) and Latin *redimere* (to buy back, repurchase), from *re-* (again) + *emere* (to buy).
Used extensively in religious and legal contexts from the medieval period onward, initially signifying the act of buying back or freeing from captivity or sin.
Memory tip
Think of redeeming a coupon: you get something back (a discount or item) for your effort (presenting the coupon).