redeem
/rɪˈdiːm/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈdiːm/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈdēm/ (ame, mw)
redeem — verb
- redeempresent simple I / you / we / they
- redeemshe / she / it
- redeemedpast simple
- redeeming-ing form
1. to make a bad situation, fault, or poor-quality thing seem less unpleasant or mo
to make a bad situation, fault, or poor-quality thing seem less unpleasant or more acceptable, especially by adding something good that balances the negative aspects
The hotel's friendly staff redeemed an otherwise disappointing stay.
Nikhil tried to redeem himself after forgetting his wife's birthday by planning a surprise dinner.
reflexive use: redeem oneself
The burnt cake was redeemed by a thick layer of chocolate frosting on top.
Isabela's sincere apology redeemed her earlier rude comments at the meeting.
What redeemed the film for Tariq was the unexpected twist at the very end.
- make up for
more general and everyday; can apply to any shortcoming or loss
- offset
more technical; suggests a precise balancing of positive and negative
- compensate for
slightly more formal; often implies giving something of equal value in return
文法句型
redeem + object
redeem oneself + by + V-ing
redeem + object + with + noun
用法筆記
Often used in the pattern 'redeem oneself' when someone repairs their own reputation after a failure. The object is typically something negative — a bad situation, a mistake, or a personal fault.
常見錯誤
2. to get back an item you previously sold, pawned, or given as security by paying
to get back an item you previously sold, pawned, or given as security by paying the person or business that holds it
Christopher redeemed his guitar from the pawn shop after he got paid.
redeem + object + from + [place]
Mira saved for months to redeem her grandmother's ring from the pawnbroker.
The Linh family redeemed their belongings from the storage unit after paying the overdue fees.
Élise redeemed her camera from the second-hand shop where she had sold it.
文法句型
redeem + object + from + [person/place]
用法筆記
The item being redeemed must have been previously owned by the person and then given away as part of a loan or sale agreement. This sense does not apply to buying something new.
常見錯誤
3. to exchange a ticket, coupon, voucher, or points for money, goods, or a service
to exchange a ticket, coupon, voucher, or points for money, goods, or a service that they are officially worth
The students redeemed their meal vouchers at the school cafeteria.
Iker redeemed his loyalty points for a free flight to Japan.
redeem + points + for + [reward]
You can redeem this coupon at any store before the end of the month.
Nala redeemed the gift certificate her aunt had given her for her birthday.
文法句型
redeem + object + for + [reward/money/goods]
用法筆記
Common objects include coupons, vouchers, gift certificates, loyalty points, and tickets. The person presenting the document receives cash or goods of equivalent stated value, not a discount on a purchase.
常見錯誤
4. to act on a commitment you made earlier, or to settle a financial obligation by
to act on a commitment you made earlier, or to settle a financial obligation by paying what is due
The local government failed to redeem its promise to build new public schools.
collocation: redeem a promise
Maeve redeemed her pledge to donate five percent of her salary to the charity.
The company redeemed its debt to the bank three years ahead of schedule.
Anong redeemed his promise to take the children to the zoo on Saturday.
- break
to fail to keep a promise
- default on
to fail to pay a debt
文法句型
redeem + [promise/debt/pledge]
用法筆記
Subject is often a person, company, or institution. Common objects are 'promise', 'pledge', 'debt', 'mortgage', and 'loan'. This sense carries a formal tone and is common in financial and political contexts.
常見錯誤
5. in Christian teaching, to release human beings from the hold and penalty of evil
in Christian teaching, to release human beings from the hold and penalty of evil, especially through a divine sacrifice
In Christian belief, Christ died to redeem humanity from sin.
religious use: redeem + humanity + from sin
The priest spoke of how faith could redeem even the worst sinner.
At the Easter service, Father Wren told the congregation that Christ's death redeems all believers.
The church teaches that God's love can redeem anyone who truly repents.
文法句型
redeem + [humanity/sinner/soul] + from + sin/evil
be redeemed
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively in Christian theology. 'To redeem' in this sense means to free from the power and consequences of sin through a divine sacrifice. Frequently appears in passive constructions ('are redeemed by Christ').