Repay vs Pay back

Both 'repay' and 'pay back' are correct phrases that can be used interchangeably. They both mean to give back money that was borrowed or to return a favor. The choice between them depends on personal preference or the context in which they are used.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 1172 views

The word 'repay' is correct and commonly used in English to mean giving back money that was borrowed or returning a favor.

"Repay"

The word 'repay' is used when someone returns money that they borrowed or fulfills an obligation to someone. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Examples:

I need to repay the loan by the end of the month.
She repaid the favor by helping him with his project.

Show examples from the web [+]

REPAY News: REPAY Earns a Spot on the Inc. 5000 List for the Fifth Consecutive Year - REPAY is named one of America's fastest-growing private companies ...
Simple Definition of repay. : to pay back (money that you have borrowed). : to make a payment to (a person or organization that has loaned you money). : to do or ...
We can never repay you for your help. 4. to return: to repay a visit. verb (used without object), repaid, repaying. 5. to make repayment or return. Origin of repay
v. re·paid (-pād′), re·pay·ing, re·pays. v.tr. 1. To pay back: repaid a debt. 2. To give back, either in return or in compensation: repay kindness with kindness. 3.

Alternatives:

return the money
give back the money
settle the debt
make restitution

The phrase 'pay back' is correct and commonly used in English to mean giving back money that was borrowed or returning a favor.

"Pay back"

'Pay back' is used when someone returns money that they borrowed or fulfills an obligation to someone. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Examples:

I need to pay back the money I borrowed from you.
She paid him back for his kindness by helping him.

Show examples from the web [+]

To reciprocate; return: pay back a kindness. 5. To retaliate against or get revenge upon. pay down. To reduce (a debt) through payment. pay off. 1. To pay the full ...
pay back,. to repay or return: to pay back a loan. to retaliate against or punish: She paid us back by refusing the invitation. to requite. 34. pay one's /its way,.
This is the British English definition of pay back. View American English definition of pay back. Change your default dictionary to American English. See also ...
pay back. star. see definition of pay back. Font size. X. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. show ... Synonyms for pay back. verb trade. swapstar · alternatestar · bandystar ...

Alternatives:

repay
return the money
give back the money
settle the debt

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Repay vs Pay back

"Repay"

"Pay back"

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