repay
UK/ri'pei/US
B1
Definitions
v.
To pay back money that is owed.
偿还（所欠的钱）。
v.
To do something good in return for a kindness; to reward or recompense.
报答、回报（善意）；酬谢。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- ('back') + pay = pay back. It works for money (repay a loan) and for goodwill (repay a favor). The second sense keeps the old 'settle the account' idea — a kindness creates a debt of gratitude.
Root pay still carries 5 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.repay a debt偿还债务
- 2.repay a loan偿还贷款
- 3.repay kindness报答恩情
- 4.repay in full全额偿还
Example Sentences
- 1.
It will take years to repay the loan in full.
- 2.
I don't know how to repay your kindness.
- 3.
Their loyalty was repaid with promotions.