requital
ri-KWAY-tul
/rɪˈkwaɪtl/
Appropriate return or reward for a service, help, or injury.
A neutral word that can mean either 'repayment for a favor' or 'retaliation for a wrong'.
The story behind the word. Formed from the verb 'requite', which comes from 're-' and 'quite' (an old form of 'quit'). To 'quit' someone once meant to pay them what was owed so you were 'quit' (free) of the debt.
Word relationships
- recompense: Usually refers to compensation for loss or effort.
- remuneration: Specifically refers to payment for work.
- ingratitude: A lack of proper appreciation for help.
Commonly confused with
- retribution: 'Retribution' is always negative; 'requital' can be positive (returning a favor).
Word family
- requite (verb): To make appropriate return for a favor or injury.
Collocations
- in requital for
- seek requital
- just requital
Example sentences
- "He sought some small requital for the years of loyalty he had given to the crown." Poetry
- "The villain's death was a fitting requital for his many crimes." Classic Fiction
Memory hook
'Requital' is like a 'Re-Quit'. You are paying someone back so you can 'quit' the relationship or the debt. The final settlement.
When not to use
Very rare in modern conversation; use 'repayment' or 'revenge' instead.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'unrequited love' is the most common modern use of this word's verb form.
Related words
Explore more words
reciprocity, retributive, repay, reciprocal, reciprocate, compensate
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