Refund
/ˈriːfʌnd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo return money to someone, typically because they are not satisfied with a product or service, or because of an overpayment.
/ˌriːˈfʌnd/
To give back money.
The company refunded the customer's money after the product failed.
💡 Simply: Imagine you buy a toy, but it breaks right away. If the store gives you your money back, that's a refund! It's like they're saying, 'Here's your money, since you didn't get what you wanted.'
👶 For kids: Giving someone their money back.
More Examples
I need to call the airline to refund my ticket.
They refunded the full price of the dress when it arrived damaged.
How It's Used
"The store will refund your purchase if you're not satisfied."
"The tax office will refund any overpaid taxes."
The money that is returned to someone; the act of returning money.
/ˈriːfʌnd/
The act of returning money.
She received a refund for the broken appliance.
💡 Simply: When you get your money back, that money is a refund! It's the amount the store or company is giving you back.
👶 For kids: When you get your money back from something you bought.
More Examples
The store provided a full refund with no questions asked.
I'm expecting my tax refund any day now.
How It's Used
"I requested a refund for the defective item."
"The tax refund arrived in the mail today."
From re- (again) + fund (money). First recorded in the late 17th century.
The word 'refund' has been used in financial contexts since the late 17th century, initially referring to the restoration of a sum of money.
Memory tip
Think of 're-fund' like 're-giving funds' or 'giving funds back'.
Word Origin
"bottom, foundation, or in this context money or capital."