rebate
REE-beyt
/ˈriː.beɪt/
A partial refund to someone who has paid too much money for tax, rent, or a utility, or as a sales incentive.
Unlike a discount, a rebate is usually processed after the full price has been paid.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'rabatre', meaning 'to beat back'. Imagine the price is a physical object, and you are 'beating back' a portion of it into your own pocket.
Word relationships
- refund: A refund is usually for a returned item; a rebate is a partial return of money for a kept item.
- surcharge: An additional charge or tax added to the usual cost.
Commonly confused with
- discount: A discount reduces the price upfront; a rebate returns money later.
Word family
- rebated (adjective): Having had a portion of the cost returned.
Collocations
- tax rebate
- mail-in rebate
- cash rebate
Example sentences
- "The government offered a tax rebate to homeowners who installed solar panels." A government announcement regarding energy costs.
- "The laptop costs $1,000, but there is a $200 mail-in rebate available." A consumer electronics promotion.
Memory hook
You pay, then they 'RE-pay' you a 'BATE' (bit). Cash back later.
When not to use
Don't use it for an immediate price drop at the register.
Fun facts
- Many companies offer 'mail-in rebates' because they know a large percentage of customers will forget to mail the form.
Explore more words
reimbursement, kickback, rebut, rebuttal, remission, restitution
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