Defrayed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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defrayed

[dษชหˆfreษช ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

financial context

To defray means to provide money to pay a cost or expense. It typically refers to the act of settling or reimbursing for expenditures incurred.

Synonyms

cover, pay, reimburse.

Examples of usage

  • The company defrayed all travel expenses for the conference.
  • Scholarships can help defray the costs of tuition.
  • The charity event was able to defray some of its costs through donations.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Finance

  • In budgeting, defraying costs is essential for managing expenses effectively and ensuring financial health.
  • Many educational institutions aim to defray the costs of tuition through scholarships and grants.
  • Insurance often helps defray the costs of medical expenses, making healthcare more accessible.

Legal Context

  • In contract law, a party might defray expenses related to service delivery or project execution.
  • Defrayment clauses in contracts specify how and when expenses will be reimbursed to ensure transparency.
  • Legal settlements often involve defraying costs incurred by both parties during a dispute.

Cultural Insights

  • Many non-profit organizations rely on donations to defray costs associated with community services and outreach.
  • Crowdfunding platforms help individuals and businesses defray costs for projects or products by gathering small contributions from many people.
  • Potluck events in communities serve to defray the costs of feeding large groups by sharing the responsibility among attendees.

Origin of 'defrayed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle French term 'desfraier', which means to pay off or settle costs.
  • Early uses of the term appeared as far back as the 14th century, showing its long-standing presence in English.
  • The prefix 'de-' often implies removal or reversal, so 'defray' suggests taking away costs.

The term 'defray' originates from the Middle French verb 'desfraisier', which means to pay. This was formed from the word 'frais', meaning 'expenses', and it eventually made its way into English in the late 15th century. Initially used in financial contexts, the word conveys the idea of alleviating the burden of costs associated with specific tasks or events. Over time, 'defray' has been utilized in various domains such as education, business, and non-profit efforts, emphasizing the importance of funding and expense management. The evolution of the term reflects broader economic practices and the necessity of addressing costs in both personal and professional realms.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,050, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.