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

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."

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."

In religious use, to save someone from sin or wrongdoing.

"The sermon focused on being redeemed through faith."

How to use redeem

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word forms

redeemed past tense, redeems singular

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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.\"

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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save deliver ransom pay off

Antonyms

abandon

Related words

give keep bring provide kill save store supply

Rhymes for redeem

deem seem esteem Kareem Saleem Hakeem

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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