redeem
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make a bad situation or person seem better by doing something good.
to offset the negative effects of a flaw or mistake through a positive quality or action.
Simple“The film was quite boring, but the beautiful ending helped to redeem it.”
In context“The protagonist spends the final act attempting to redeem himself in the eyes of his family after years of neglect.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice or with a reflexive pronoun like 'himself' or 'themselves'.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to trade a coupon, voucher, or points for goods, services, or money.
to exchange a document, voucher, or digital code for its equivalent value in goods or cash.
Simple“You can redeem your reward points for a gift card at any of our stores.”
In context“Investors may choose to redeem their shares for cash once the fund reaches its maturity date.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
to do what you promised you would do.
to carry out or fulfill a pledge, promise, or obligation.
Simple“The politician struggled to redeem the promises he made during the election.”
In context“The governor was determined to redeem his pledge to lower taxes before the end of his term.”
From Middle English redemen, modified from Old French redimer, from Latin redimō (“release; obviate; atone for”), itself from red- (“back; again”) + emō (“buy; gain, take, procure”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.