Requital: meaning, definitions and examples
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requital
[rɪˈkwɪtəl ]
Definition
payment or response
Requital refers to the act of repaying or recompensing something, whether it be a favor, service, or debt. It embodies the notion of returning a kindness or balancing a score, and can sometimes imply a sense of revenge or retaliation. The term highlights the reciprocal nature of human interactions, where an action is met with a corresponding reaction. It is often used in literary or philosophical contexts to discuss the ethics of reciprocity.
Synonyms
payback, recompense, repayment, retaliation, return.
Examples of usage
- She offered him a requital for his help.
- He believed in the requital of good deeds.
- The poet wrote about requital in relationships.
- The requital of their support was generous.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'requirere,' meaning 'to seek again or to demand.'
- It passed through Middle English as 'requital' before taking its current form in modern English.
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, the theme of requital is often present, especially in plays like 'Hamlet,' where actions have consequences.
- The concept of requital can be seen in classical poetry, where poets express gratitude or the desire for revenge.
Philosophy
- Philosophers discuss requital in the context of morality, questioning if we owe something to those who help us or harm us.
- It's tied to ideas of justice and reciprocity, asking whether every action deserves a response.
Cultural Practices
- In many cultures, showing gratitude through gifts or favors is a common tradition, symbolizing requital.
- During family gatherings, it is customary to return kindness shown during previous celebrations.
Psychology
- Reciprocal altruism is a psychological concept related to requital, where individuals help others with the expectation of help in return.
- Studies show that fulfilling social obligations enhances relationships and builds trust among individuals.
Translations
Translations of the word "requital" in other languages:
🇵🇹 retribuição
🇮🇳 प्रतिदान
🇩🇪 Vergeltung
🇮🇩 imbalan
🇺🇦 відплата
🇵🇱 odpłata
🇯🇵 報酬
🇫🇷 rémunération
🇪🇸 recompensa
🇹🇷 karşılık
🇰🇷 보답
🇸🇦 تعويض
🇨🇿 odměna
🇸🇰 odplata
🇨🇳 报答
🇸🇮 odgovor
🇮🇸 öflun
🇰🇿 қайтарым
🇬🇪 გადახდა
🇦🇿 qaytarma
🇲🇽 retribución