Finesentence

Defray Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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defray

de-fray

🇺🇸 /dɪˈfɹeɪ/

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

financial context

To defray means to provide money to pay a cost or expense. It is often used in relation to expenses related to events, projects, or obligations. The term implies that a portion of the costs will be covered or reimbursed.

Synonyms

cover, pay, reimburse, settle.

Examples of usage

  • The company will defray the costs of travel for employees.
  • Grants are available to defray the expenses of research.
  • She saved money to defray the costs of her education.

Translations

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Quick facts about “defray”

Defray is a 2-syllable verb (de-fray). It is pronounced /dɪˈfɹeɪ/. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 4 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #12,794 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'defray'

The word 'defray' originated from the Middle French term 'defrayer,' which meant 'to pay or discharge.' This term came from the Old French 'desfraier,' where 'des-' indicated a sense of removal or negation and 'fraier' meant to pay. The etymology can be traced further back to the Vulgar Latin 'disfractare', which combines 'dis-' (apart) with 'fractare' (to break, to yield). Initially, the term was used in a more general sense related to paying debts or obligations. Over time, it has evolved to specifically refer to covering costs or expenses, often within a business or financial context. The use of the term has persisted throughout history, especially within legal and financial documents.

Rhymes

Defray rhymes with a, baa, bey, bouvier, cabernet, chez, croquet and dj.

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Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,794, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.