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refund

REE-fund /ˈriːfʌnd/

nounverbB1

general

A sum of money paid back to a customer who is not satisfied with goods or services bought; or, to pay back money to (a customer).

Implies money being returned after a purchase has been made, often due to a return, cancellation, or dissatisfaction.

The story behind the word. The word 'refund' comes from the Latin 'refundere', which means 'to pour back' or 'to restore'. It combines 're-' (back) and 'fundere' (to pour). This imagery of pouring back money perfectly captures the idea of returning funds to a customer after a purchase.

Word relationships

reimbursement: Often refers to being paid back for expenses incurred on behalf of another.
repayment: Paying back a debt or loan.

charge: To demand an amount as a price for a service or goods.
payment: The act of paying money.

Commonly confused with

void: A 'refund' is money returned after a completed transaction; to 'void' a transaction means to cancel it before it's fully processed.

Word family

refundable (adjective): Able to be refunded.

Collocations

full refund
partial refund
request a refund
issue a refund
get a refund

Example sentences

"The store offered a full refund for the defective appliance." Returning a faulty product.
"If you are not completely satisfied, we will refund your purchase price." Customer service interaction.
"Our policy states that all returns must be accompanied by a valid receipt to qualify for a refund." A policy statement.

Memory hook

If you're unhappy, they will 'RE-FUND' your money, putting the 'FUND's 'RE-back' into your account. Money back

When not to use

Do not use 'refund' for simply giving money back for any reason; it specifically relates to money returned for a prior payment.

Fun facts

The concept of a 'refund' is ancient, with early forms of consumer protection existing even in Roman law.