deposit
dih-POZ-it
/dɪˈpɒzɪt/
To put money into a bank account; also, the money that is put into a bank account.
Can also refer to a sum of money paid as a first installment or a security against damage.
The story behind the word. The word 'deposit' comes from the Latin 'deponere', meaning 'to lay down, put away'. This perfectly captures the act of placing money into an account for safekeeping. The 'de-' prefix means 'down' and 'ponere' means 'to place'.
Word relationships
- payment: A payment is any sum of money paid; a deposit is specifically money put into an account or as an initial sum.
- lodgment: More formal or archaic term for placing money or documents.
- withdrawal: Withdrawal is taking money out; deposit is putting money in.
Word family
- depositor (noun): a person who puts money in a bank.
- depository (noun): a place where things are deposited for safekeeping.
Collocations
- make a deposit
- cash deposit
- check deposit
- direct deposit
- security deposit
Example sentences
- "She went to the bank to make a deposit of her weekly earnings." Making a bank deposit.
- "The landlord required a security deposit equal to one month's rent." Paying a security deposit.
Memory hook
You DE-POSIT money by POSITioning it DOWN into your account. POSITion DOWN
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'dispose' (to get rid of) or 'depose' (to remove from power).
Fun facts
- The word 'depot' (a place for storing things) shares the same Latin root 'deponere'.
Related words
Explore more words
accretion, accumulation, collection, delta, repository, settle
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