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Cheque Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cheque

[tʃɛk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

payment method

A cheque is a written order to a bank to pay a stated sum from the drawer's account, written on a specially printed form.

Synonyms

check.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cheque

This is a duplicate entry and refers to the same use as the first 'cheque'. It is not commonly used.

  • I need to deposit this cheque.
  • She gave me a cheque for my birthday.
check

Used primarily in American English to refer to a written order directing a bank to pay money. This word can also mean to examine something or to a restaurant bill, depending on the context.

  • I'll write you a check for the payment.
  • Can you check if the door is locked?
  • May I have the check, please?

Examples of usage

  • I prefer to receive cheques for my freelance work.
  • He wrote a cheque to pay for the new furniture.
Context #2 | Noun

financial document

A cheque is also a document that is used to make a payment, often replacing the need for cash.

Synonyms

check.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cheque

In Canadian English, both 'cheque' and 'check' can be used, but 'cheque' is typically preferred for financial contexts.

  • He received a cheque from his insurance company.
  • Her employer sends out pay cheques on the first of every month.
check

In American English, 'check' is used instead of 'cheque' for bank payments. However, 'check' has broader meanings including verifying or examining something, and it is also used in various expressions.

  • I need to deposit this check before the bank closes.
  • Could you check the spelling on this document?
  • Let's check out that new restaurant.

Examples of usage

  • I filled out a cheque to pay my rent.
  • She handed me a cheque for the services rendered.
Context #3 | Verb

to write a cheque

To cheque means to write a cheque as a method of payment.

Synonyms

write a cheque.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cheque

Used in British English to refer to a written order directing a bank to pay money.

  • I need to pay my rent by cheque this month
  • When you receive the cheque, deposit it in your bank account
write a cheque

Used when specifically referring to the act of filling out a cheque or check in British English.

  • She needs to write a cheque to cover the utility bills
  • Before you write a cheque, make sure all the details are correct

Examples of usage

  • I will cheque the amount for the invoice.
  • He chequed the full balance owed.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The modern cheque system was widely adopted in England during the 17th century as banks began issuing them as a means of facilitating trade.
  • In the 19th century, the use of cheques became common among the middle class, allowing for safer transfers of money compared to cash.
  • The introduction of the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) technology in the 1950s revolutionized the processing of cheques by automating reading and sorting.

Pop Culture

  • In many movies, cheques are depicted as a traditional way to settle debts or make payments, often leading to comedic misunderstandings.
  • The phrase 'signature on the cheque' is often used metaphorically in media to imply trust and commitment in business deals.
  • Certain artists have used cheques as a canvas, turning them into unique pieces of art that comment on commerce and consumerism.

Economics

  • Cheques have played a significant role in the evolution of banking by enabling direct payments and reducing the need for cash, which helps in economic transactions.
  • The introduction of stop payment orders allows individuals to halt payment on a cheque, illustrating the control people have over their finances.
  • Despite technological advancements, billions of cheques are still written each year, signaling their lasting presence in financial practices.

Technology

  • Mobile banking apps now enable users to deposit cheques virtually by taking a picture of the cheque, transforming how people interact with traditional banking.
  • Digital payment methods continue to challenge the use of cheques, as electronic transfers offer speed and convenience often preferred in today’s fast-paced world.
  • Blockchain technology is beginning to influence the future of banking and finance, potentially leading to new forms of secure digital payment systems that could replace traditional cheques.

Origin of 'cheque'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cheque' comes from the old French word 'eschec', meaning a check in the game of chess, symbolizing the validation of a payment.
  • The spelling of 'cheque' is primarily British, while in American English, it is spelled 'check'.
  • The use of written promises to pay dates back to ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, where clay tablets served as early forms of cheques.

The word 'cheque' originated from the Arabic word 'sakk', which means a written document. The concept of cheques dates back to ancient Rome, where they were used as a form of payment. Cheques became popular in the 17th century in Europe and have since evolved into a common method of payment worldwide.

See also: exchequer.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,628, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.