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noun Common

redemption

rih-DEHMP-shuhn

Redemption (noun) means the act of making up for past mistakes or wrongdoing and restoring one's reputation. Example: “His comeback season was seen as redemption after years of injury setbacks.”

noun
1
The act of making up for past mistakes or wrongdoing and restoring one's reputation.
"His comeback season was seen as redemption after years of injury setbacks."
2
The act of exchanging a voucher, bond, or points for its cash value.
"The redemption of the bonds is due at the end of the year."
3
In religious use, salvation from sin.
"The novel explores themes of guilt and redemption."

How to use redemption

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMaking up for something bad, or cashing something in for its value.

Common pairings
seek redemption a story of redemption redemption of a bond

Word forms

redemptions plural

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His comeback season was seen as _____ after years of injury setbacks.

Etymology

From Old French redemption, from Latin redemptio, tied to the same root as redeem, \"to buy back.\"

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for redemption

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Frequently asked questions

What does “redemption” mean?

The word “redemption” means the act of making up for past mistakes or wrongdoing and restoring one's reputation. In plain terms, making up for something bad, or cashing something in for its value.

How do you pronounce “redemption”?

“Redemption” is pronounced rih-DEHMP-shuhn (/ɹɪˈdɛmpʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “redemption” in a sentence?

Here is “redemption” used in a sentence: “His comeback season was seen as redemption after years of injury setbacks.”

What part of speech is “redemption”?

“Redemption” is a noun.

Where does the word “redemption” come from?

The word “redemption” comes from Latin. From Old French redemption, from Latin redemptio, tied to the same root as redeem, \"to buy back.\".

Is “redemption” a common word?

“Redemption” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “redemption” have?

“Redemption” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of making up for past mistakes or wrongdoing and restoring one's reputation.

What is the difference between redemption and forgiveness?

Redemption involves actively making up for past mistakes and restoring one's reputation through changed behavior or action, while forgiveness is something granted by another person, releasing them from resentment over a wrong. A person can be forgiven without ever achieving redemption, and a person can pursue redemption whether or not they receive forgiveness.

What does redemption mean for a voucher or coupon?

In this sense, redemption refers to exchanging a voucher, bond, or points for its cash value or another benefit, such as redeeming loyalty points for a gift card. This financial sense is distinct from the moral sense of making up for wrongdoing.

What does redemption mean in a religious context?

In religious use, redemption refers to salvation from sin, often through a divine or sacrificial act. This sense underlies the word's broader everyday meaning of making up for past wrongdoing, since both involve being freed from a negative state and restored to a better one.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial