redeem etymology

Etymology

The word "redeem" comes from the Latin word "redimere," which means "to buy back" or "to recover." It is derived from the prefix "re-," meaning "back," and the verb "emere," meaning "to buy."

Meaning

Redeem means to:

  • Buy back something that was previously sold or lost
  • Free someone from captivity or obligation
  • Fulfill a promise or obligation
  • Save or rescue someone from danger or harm
  • Recover something from a bad state

Origin

The word "redeem" has been used in English since the 14th century. It was originally used in a religious context to refer to the act of Jesus Christ dying on the cross to save humanity from sin. Over time, the meaning of the word has expanded to include more secular uses.

redeem relate terms

  • redeeming

    Etymology The word redeeming comes from the Middle English word reden which means t

  • redeem

    Etymology The word redeem comes from the Latin word redimere which means to buy bac

  • redeemable

    Etymology Re prefix Again back Deem verb To judge or consider Meaning Capab

  • redeem

    Etymology The word redeem comes from the Latin word redimere which means to buy bac

  • deliver

    Etymology Latin deferre to bear away bring down Proto Indo European dʰer to

  • save

    Etymology Old French sauve Latin salvus whole safe Meaning To protect or

  • ransom

    Etymology Middle English raunson from Anglo Norman French raençon from Late Latin r

  • gainsay

    Etymology Origin Middle English gainsayen from Old French gainsdire from Medieval Lati

  • redemption

    Etymology Redemption derives from the Latin word redemptio which means a buying back

  • change

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words