Redemption
/rɪˈdɛmpʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of being saved from sin or evil; the action of gaining or regaining something of value.
/rɪˈdɛmpʃən/
The act of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.
The story was about a villain's journey toward redemption.
💡 Simply: Imagine you did something wrong, like accidentally breaking your friend's favorite toy. Redemption is when you make up for it, maybe by buying them a new one, so you're 'saved' from feeling bad. It's like getting a second chance to be good!
👶 For kids: It means when you make up for doing something wrong and become a good person again.
More Examples
She sought redemption for her past mistakes.
The church offered a path to redemption for those who repented.
How It's Used
"Christians believe in the redemption of humanity through the sacrifice of Jesus."
"The novel explored the themes of guilt, loss, and the possibility of redemption."
The act of reclaiming or paying off a debt or obligation; the recovery of something pledged or mortgaged.
/rɪˈdɛmpʃən/
The act of exchanging something for its equivalent value or receiving something in return.
The company announced the redemption of its outstanding shares.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a coupon for a free pizza. Redemption is when you take that coupon to the pizza place and get your pizza. You 'redeem' the coupon!
👶 For kids: It means when you use something like a coupon to get a prize or get your money back.
More Examples
He looked forward to the redemption of his loyalty points for a free flight.
The bank provided a process for the redemption of collateral after the loan was paid.
How It's Used
"The bondholders received the redemption of their bonds at maturity."
"The store offered a coupon redemption program."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
seek redemption
To actively try to improve your reputation or to be forgiven for past mistakes.
"The disgraced politician sought redemption by volunteering for charity."
From Latin *redemptio* ('a buying back'), from *redimere* ('to buy back, ransom'), from *re-* ('back') + *emere* ('to buy'). It originally referred to the act of buying back a captive or slave and later evolved to encompass spiritual or moral salvation.
The word's use has evolved from its initial meaning of physical release to its current broad sense of spiritual or moral recovery. Its usage became increasingly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries in religious and literary contexts.
Memory tip
Think of *re-demption* (again-buying). You're essentially *buying back* your goodness or value.
Word Origin
"a buying back"