What does mean redeem Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈriːdem/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

Redeem means to exchange something of value (such as money) for the release of something (such as a person) from captivity or debt. It can also refer to the act of paying or canceling a debt, or to make something good or pleasing from something that is defective or of poor quality.

Examples

• The prisoner was finally redeemed after serving 10 years of her sentence.
• The detective managed to redeem the stolen goods, and the stolen money was recovered.

Synonyms

• Exchange
• Rescue
• Release

Antonyms

• Detain
• Hold
• Retain

Etymology

The word “redeem” comes from the Old French word “redemprer,” which means “to claim or take back again.” It is derived from the Latin words “re” meaning “again” and “emere” meaning “to take or buy.”

Etymology Continued

The word has been used in the English language since the 14th century, initially referring to the act of exchanging something of value for the release of a person or a debt. Over time, its meaning has expanded to include the idea of making something good or pleasing from something defective or of poor quality.

Usage Notes

Redeem is typically used in formal or written language, but it can also be used in everyday conversation, especially when referring to a specific instance of saving or releasing something. For example: “I redeemed my car from the car rental company.”

Cultural References

The concept of redemption is a common theme in literature, film, and music. Notable examples include the biblical story of the Prodigal Son, the novel “The Count of Monte Cristo,” and the song “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Redeem time is an idiomatic expression that means to use time effectively and efficiently, often in a limited or challenging situation. For example: “I’m going to redeem my time and finish this project by the end of the week.”

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words and phrases include:

• Atone: to make amends for a wrongdoing
• Forgive: to stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone
• Pay back: to repay a debt or a loan

Collocations

Some common collocations with redeem include:

• Redeem one’s debt
• Redeem one’s honor
• Redeem the time

Frequency of Use

According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “redeem” is used approximately 100 times per million words in spoken language, and 200 times per million words in written language.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of the word “redeem” include:

• redden
• reedeem
• redem

Additional Information

The concept of redemption is often associated with hope, forgiveness, and new beginnings. In a spiritual context, redemption can refer to the act of releasing someone from sin or guilt, or of atoning for past mistakes. In everyday life, redemption can take many forms, such as paying off debt, making amends for a wrongdoing, or seeking forgiveness for past hurts.

Redemption can be a powerful and transformative experience, allowing individuals or groups to start anew, rebuild relationships, or create positive change in their lives. Whether personal or collective, redemption requires effort, commitment, and a willingness to learn from past mistakes and take responsibility for one’s actions.