refund
REE-fund
/ˈriːfʌnd/
A repayment of a sum of money, typically to a dissatisfied customer.
Specifically refers to getting the original payment back in the original form (cash or credit card), rather than store credit.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'refonder,' it literally means to 'pour back.' Imagine the money flowing out of your pocket during a purchase and then being poured back in when you return the item.
Word relationships
- repayment: Repayment is a general term for paying back any debt, while refund is specific to a purchase.
- payment: The initial act of giving money for goods.
Commonly confused with
- reimburse: A refund is the return of money paid for a product; reimbursement is paying someone back for expenses they incurred on your behalf.
Word family
- refundable (adjective): able to be returned for money
Collocations
- full refund
- issue a refund
- request a refund
- non-refundable deposit
Example sentences
- "If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, return it within 30 days for a full refund." Retail policy regarding returns.
- "The court ordered the travel agency to refund the full cost of the cancelled tour." A legal dispute over a failed service.
Memory hook
When you get a REFUND, the cash is RE-FOUND in your wallet. Money poured back.
When not to use
Do not use when you are receiving a different product instead of money; that is an exchange.
Fun facts
- In the UK, the 'Consumer Rights Act' gives you a legal right to a refund for faulty goods for up to 30 days.
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