Redounded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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redounded

[rษชหˆdaสŠndษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal term

To redound means to have an effect or result, often in a way that reflects back upon a person or a situation. In legal contexts, it can imply that a decision or action has consequences that impact the parties involved.

Synonyms

affected, contributed, resulted.

Examples of usage

  • His generous actions redounded to his reputation.
  • The ruling will redound to the benefit of all workers.
  • Her support redounded to the success of the project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers use the term to discuss how actions can reflect back on a person, for better or worse.
  • The idea of moral actions redounding suggests that good deeds often lead to good outcomes for oneself.
  • In discussions of justice, thereโ€™s a belief that what you do can come back to you, reinforcing ethical behavior.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often face the consequences of their actions that redound upon them later in the story.
  • For example, revenge plots often show how revenge can redound negatively on the avenger.
  • Shakespeare uses this concept in many plays to illustrate themes of fate and moral reckoning.

Language Usage

  • The term is often used in formal or literary contexts, reflecting a higher level of vocabulary.
  • News articles may describe policies or events that have effects which redound positively or negatively on society.
  • In legal contexts, outcomes of actions taken by individuals may redound to their reputations.

Cultural References

  • In traditional sayings, the notion of what goes around comes around is akin to the idea of things redounding.
  • Certain cultures emphasize community and interdependence, pointing to how one's actions can redound on the collective group.
  • In sports, a team's hard work may redound to their success or loss, impacting the whole organization.

Origin of 'redounded'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'reddere', meaning 'to give back' or 'to return'.
  • In Middle English, it evolved through the word 'redounden', keeping its meaning about returning.
  • The prefix 're-' suggests a repeat or return, while 'dound' relates to flowing or running, giving a sense of coming back.

The word 'redound' originates from the Latin verb 'redundare', which means to overflow or abound. This Latin root combines 're-', meaning back, and 'unda', meaning wave. The term migrated into Old French before entering Middle English, where it adapted to its current form. Initially, it had connotations of overflowing or having a surplus. Over time, 'redound' evolved to specifically emphasize the consequences that can be reflected back on a person, often used in legal or formal contexts. Its usage remains somewhat archaic, retaining a formal tone that might not be common in everyday conversation. Despite its less frequent use today, 'redound' still appears in legal writing and literature, illustrating its enduring roots in formal language.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,615, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.