Voucher Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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voucher

[ˈvaʊtʃər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

shopping

A voucher is a piece of paper that can be used instead of money to pay for something.

Synonyms

certificate, coupon, ticket.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
voucher

A voucher is generally used as proof for some kind of credit or discount. It can be exchanged for goods or services up to a certain value.

  • She received a voucher for a free meal at the restaurant
  • They gave me a $50 voucher for the store
coupon

A coupon is typically a piece of paper or a digital ticket that offers a discount on a product or service. It is usually used in promotional contexts.

  • She clipped a coupon from the Sunday newspaper
  • You can use this coupon to get 20% off your next purchase
ticket

A ticket is most commonly used as an entry pass for events, travel, or various activities. It can also be issued as a penalty notice by law enforcement.

  • He bought a ticket for the concert
  • I got a parking ticket for leaving my car in a no-parking zone
certificate

A certificate is often used to recognize an achievement or to verify a certain qualification. It can also indicate ownership of a particular product or service.

  • He received a certificate of completion for the course
  • The gift certificate can be used at any participating retailer

Examples of usage

  • I received a voucher for $50 off my next purchase.
  • She redeemed her voucher for a free meal at the restaurant.
Context #2 | Noun

gift

A voucher is a gift card or certificate that can be exchanged for goods or services.

Synonyms

certificate, coupon, gift card.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
voucher

A voucher is generally a document that entitles the holder to a discount or to exchange it for goods or services. It can be used in various settings, such as travel, dining, or retail.

  • I used a travel voucher to book my flight.
  • She got a voucher for a free meal at the restaurant.
gift card

A gift card is a prepaid card that can be used instead of cash for purchases within a specific store or group of stores. It is usually given as a gift.

  • She received a gift card for her birthday and used it to buy new clothes.
  • They gave him a gift card to his favorite coffee shop.
coupon

A coupon typically offers a discount or a special offer on a product or service. It often comes in paper form or as a digital code and is used mostly in shopping and dining.

  • I found a coupon for 20% off my next purchase.
  • The newspaper had a coupon for a free drink.
certificate

A certificate is usually a formal document that can authenticate qualifications, achievements, or rights. It can also be a paper signifying value, like a gift certificate.

  • He received a certificate of completion after finishing the course.
  • They gifted us a certificate for a spa day.

Examples of usage

  • He gave her a voucher for a spa day as a birthday present.
  • The company offered vouchers as incentives to their employees.
Context #3 | Verb

e-commerce

To voucher means to validate or authorize something, often in the context of online transactions.

Synonyms

authorize, confirm, validate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
voucher

Typically used in financial or business contexts to refer to a document that serves as proof of a transaction, payment, or entitlement. It can also mean a coupon or a ticket that gives the holder a discount or prize.

  • He presented the voucher to get a discount on his purchase
  • The travel agency provided a voucher for the hotel stay
validate

Used to check or prove the accuracy of something, often in technical or formal situations like scientific research, engineering, or organized procedures. It can also mean affirming someone's feelings or experiences.

  • The software engineer needs to validate the code before the launch
  • He felt validated when his hard work was recognized
authorize

Used when granting permission or approval for someone to do something, often in official or formal settings such as workplaces or governmental bodies.

  • The manager authorized the team to begin the project
  • She needs to authorize access to the confidential documents
confirm

Applied when verifying or giving assurance that something is true or correct. Commonly used in a variety of contexts, from personal to professional, wherever verification is needed.

  • Could you confirm your reservation for tomorrow? The eyewitnesses confirmed the suspect's identity

Examples of usage

  • The system vouchered the transaction automatically.
  • Please voucher your purchase before completing the checkout process.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Vouchers are often used in education, allowing students to attend schools of their choice with government funding.
  • Using vouchers in consumer markets can stimulate competition among businesses, potentially leading to better prices and quality.
  • In the hospitality industry, vouchers can encourage repeat business by offering discounts to previous customers.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of vouchers has appeared in numerous TV shows and films, often as a plot device to secure a fun day out or an adventure.
  • Vouchers for experiences like restaurants or concerts are popular gifts, often featured in holiday shopping advertisements.
  • Various dating reality shows have used vouchers as prizes, leading contestants on exciting outings.

Legal Usage

  • In legal terms, vouchers can serve as proof of a financial transaction, ensuring both parties uphold their agreements.
  • They are often used as a method of reimbursement, allowing individuals to get back money they spent on approved services.
  • Vouchers are vital in audits by providing evidence of expenses that may be otherwise hard to verify.

Origin of 'voucher'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'voucher' comes from the Latin term 'vocare,' which means 'to call' or 'to summon,' linking it to calling for services or goods.
  • In the 16th century, 'voucher' was used in English to describe a document serving as proof of payment.
  • Originally, vouchers were used in legal contexts to signify evidence or affirmation of a claim.

The word 'voucher' originated from Old French 'vocher' meaning 'to call, summon, or voucher,' which in turn came from Latin 'vocare' meaning 'to call.' The use of vouchers as a form of payment or gift has been documented throughout history, with various forms evolving over time to become the modern concept of vouchers we know today.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,399, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.