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Reimburse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ธ
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reimburse

[หŒriหษชmหˆbษœหs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

financial

To repay or compensate someone for money spent or losses incurred.

Synonyms

compensate, refund, repay.

Examples of usage

  • The company will reimburse you for the travel expenses.
  • I will reimburse you for the meal you bought yesterday.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Finance

  • In business, employers often reimburse employees for travel expenses or work-related purchases.
  • Some insurance policies reimburse policyholders for medical expenses after they pay out of pocket.
  • Reimbursement practices vary worldwide, affecting how businesses manage finances and employee relations.

Law

  • Reimbursement is crucial in legal settlements, where one party compensates another for losses.
  • Certain laws require businesses to reimburse customers for defective products or services.
  • In criminal cases, courts can order defendants to reimburse victims for damages caused by their actions.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have specific traditions surrounding the reimbursement of debts or gifts, often reflecting social norms.
  • In some countries, it is customary to reimburse friends and family for shared meals or outings as a sign of respect.
  • Cultural expectations around reimbursement can influence how financial transactions are viewed within communities.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people feel more satisfied when they are reimbursed for expenses rather than receiving gifts.
  • The concept of fairness is often tied to reimbursement, as individuals expect to be compensated for their expenditures.
  • Reimbursement can impact relationships, as delays in repayment may lead to tension or conflict among friends or family.

Origin of 'reimburse'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Reimburse' comes from the Latin 'reimbursare,' which means to 'repay' or 'pay back.'
  • The prefix 're-' means 'again,' while 'imburse' is related to 'bursa,' meaning 'purse' or 'wallet.'
  • The word has been used in English since the 15th century, indicating its long history in financial contexts.

The word 'reimburse' originated from the Old French word 'reimboursier' meaning 'to replace, restore'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. The prefix 're-' means 'back' or 'again', and 'imburse' comes from the Latin 'imbursare' which means 'to put in a purse'. Over the centuries, 'reimburse' has retained its meaning of repaying or compensating for expenses.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,898, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.