verb
Uncommon
redeem
rih-DEEM
Redeem (verb) means to exchange a voucher, points, or a bond for cash or its stated value. Example: “She redeemed her gift card for a new pair of shoes.”
verb
1
To exchange a voucher, points, or a bond for cash or its stated value.
"She redeemed her gift card for a new pair of shoes."
"You can redeem the loyalty points at checkout."
2
To make up for a fault or bad situation, or to restore someone's good reputation.
"He tried to redeem himself after missing the deadline by working through the weekend."
"A strong second half redeemed what had been a poor performance."
3
In religious use, to save someone from sin or wrongdoing.
"The sermon focused on being redeemed through faith."
How to use redeem
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cash something in, or to make up for a mistake and restore your standing.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "redeem" meaning to simply return an item — it specifically means exchanging something (voucher, points, bond) for its value, or making amends.
Common pairings
redeem a voucher
redeem yourself
redeem points
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- redeems
- Past tense
- redeemed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ her gift card for a new pair of shoes.
Etymology
From Old French redimer, ultimately Latin redimere — red- (\"back\") plus emere (\"to buy\") — literally \"to buy back.\"
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for redeem
See all rhymes for redeem →Frequently asked questions
What does “redeem” mean?
The word “redeem” means to exchange a voucher, points, or a bond for cash or its stated value. In plain terms, to cash something in, or to make up for a mistake and restore your standing.
How do you pronounce “redeem”?
“Redeem” is pronounced rih-DEEM (/ɹɪˈdiːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “redeem” in a sentence?
Here is “redeem” used in a sentence: “She redeemed her gift card for a new pair of shoes.”
What is the opposite of “redeem”?
The opposite of “redeem” — its antonyms — is abandon.
What part of speech is “redeem”?
“Redeem” is a verb.
Where does the word “redeem” come from?
The word “redeem” comes from Latin. From Old French redimer, ultimately Latin redimere — red- (\"back\") plus emere (\"to buy\") — literally \"to buy back.\".
Is “redeem” a common word?
“Redeem” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “redeem” have?
“Redeem” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to exchange a voucher, points, or a bond for cash or its stated value.
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