rebate
REE-beyt
/ˈriːbeɪt/
A partial refund to someone who has paid too much money for tax, rent, or a utility.
A rebate is often an incentive or retroactive discount (like an energy-efficiency tax rebate), whereas a refund is simply returning overpaid money.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'rabatre', meaning 'to beat down' or 'deduct' (from 're-' 'back' + 'abatre' 'to beat down'). It originally referred to knocking down a price or reducing an amount owed.
Word relationships
- refund: A refund is the return of overpaid money, while a rebate is specifically a return of money as an incentive or discount.
- surcharge: A surcharge is an additional charge, whereas a rebate is a return of money.
Commonly confused with
- discount: A discount is applied at the time of purchase, reducing the initial price, while a rebate is returned after the full price has been paid.
Word family
- rebated (verb): Past tense of rebate.
Collocations
- tax rebate
- energy rebate
- claim a rebate
- mail-in rebate
Example sentences
- "The state offered a rebate for homeowners who installed solar panels." Green Energy Incentives
Memory hook
Re-bate: they 'bate' (beat) down the price and give you cash back. Beating down the price to give money back.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a salary or regular payment; it is always a return of money previously paid.
Fun facts
- Governments often use tax rebates to stimulate the economy, sending checks directly to citizens to encourage consumer spending during recessions.
Explore more words
reimbursement, kickback, rebut, rebuttal, remission, restitution
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