What does arrear mean?
Arrear refers to an amount of money or a quantity of goods that is owed or due to be paid or delivered. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including business and finance, where it may refer to a sum of money that is overdue or unpaid. In other contexts, it may refer to a quantity of goods that is owed or due to be delivered. The word has a long history, dating back to the 14th century, and has been influenced by various languages, including Old French and Latin. Arrear is often used in formal and business settings, and is considered a useful word for those who need to communicate complex financial or logistical information. Its connotations are neutral, and it is not typically associated with any particular emotion or tone.
nounAn amount of money or a quantity of goods that is owed or due to be paid or delivered.
- An amount of money or a quantity of goods that is owed or due to be paid or delivered.
"The company is in arrear with its tax payments."
"The company is in arrear with its tax payments."
"The tenant is in arrear with his rent."
The plural form 'arrears' is used to refer to multiple amounts of money or quantities of goods that are owed or due to be paid or delivered.
"The company is in arrears with its tax payments."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of arrear
The word 'arrear' has its roots in Old French, where it was spelled 'arrier' or 'arriere'. It was later influenced by Latin, where it was spelled 'arrius' or 'arrius'. The word has been used in English since the 14th century, and has undergone various changes in spelling and meaning over the centuries.
Usage notes
In British English, 'arrear' is often used to refer to a sum of money that is owed, while in American English, it is more commonly used to refer to a quantity of goods that is owed.