repay

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to do something good for someone because they were kind or helpful to you in the past.

v. to requite or reward a person for a service, kindness, or injury. Transitive, often taking the person as the object.

“I hope I can repay your kindness one day.”

“She felt a strong desire to repay her mentor's guidance by achieving success in her own academic career.”

C1 · Advanced Formal

v. to be worth the time or work you put into something because the result is good.

v. to yield a return or result that justifies the effort or attention expended.

“The beautiful view from the top of the mountain will repay your hard work.”

“The historical documents are difficult to read, but they will repay careful study by providing unique insights into the period.”

C2 · Proficiency Science Technical

v. to cover a surface, like the bottom of a wooden boat, with tar or pitch for a second time.

v. to apply a fresh coat of tar, pitch, or similar waterproof material to a surface, typically a ship's hull.

“The sailors had to repay the deck to keep the water out.”

“Maintenance of the vintage vessel required the crew to periodically repay the seams with hot pitch to ensure it remained seaworthy.”