What does requite mean?
The verb requite means to repay or reward someone for something they have done, often in a generous or kind way. It can also refer to making amends or providing compensation for a wrong or injury. Requite is a somewhat formal word that is often used in contexts involving reciprocity or restitution. For example, a company might requite an employee's years of service with a generous retirement package, or a government might requite the losses of citizens affected by a natural disaster. The word carries a sense of obligation or moral responsibility to make things right. Understanding requite can help express gratitude or acknowledge debts in a nuanced way.
verbTo repay or reward someone for something they have done, especially in a generous or kind way. To make amends or give compensation for a wrong or injury.
- To repay or reward someone for something they have done.
- To make amends or give compensation for a wrong or injury.
"The company requited the employee's years of loyal service with a generous retirement package."
"The charity requited the donor's generosity with a special recognition award."
"The government requited the losses of the citizens affected by the natural disaster."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of requite
The word requite comes from the Old French 'requiter', which is derived from 're-' (meaning 'again' or 'back') and 'quiter' (meaning 'to pay or discharge'). The term has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the act of repaying or rewarding someone.
How requite is actually used
Formal or somewhat formal in tone; often used in contexts involving repayment, reward, or compensation.