refund
REE-fund
/ˈriːfʌnd/
A sum of money that is paid back to you, especially because you are not happy with something you have bought.
The ultimate consumer protection, where the transaction is completely reversed and the money is returned.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'refundere,' which means 'to pour back.' Imagine a merchant literally pouring coins back into a customer's hand from a purse. While we use digital transfers today, the image of 'pouring back' remains.
Word relationships
- reimbursement: A more formal term, often used for business expenses.
- repayment: Usually refers to paying back a loan or debt.
Commonly confused with
- credit: Store credit allows you to buy something else later; a refund gives you cash or a bank reversal.
Word family
- refundable (adjective): Able to be returned for money.
- refunded (verb): Past tense of refund.
Collocations
- full refund
- issue a refund
- request a refund
Example sentences
- "A refund is a small consolation for a large disappointment." A consumer rights discussion.
- "You must present your original receipt to receive a full refund to your credit card." A store's return policy.
Memory hook
You 're' (return) the 'fund' (money). Money back.
When not to use
Do not use for a 'rebate,' which is a partial refund given after the purchase as a promotion.
Fun facts
- In some countries, stores are not legally required to give a refund for 'change of mind,' only for faulty goods.
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