defray - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
defray Word Meanings
- to pay for something
- to cover costs or expenses
- to alleviate financial burden
defray Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
defray Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈfreɪ/
US
/dɪˈfreɪ/
defray Word Etymology
Defray is composed of the prefix 'de-' meaning 'down, off' and the root 'fray' from Latin 'fructus' meaning 'to break, pay'. It originated from Latin through Old French. Imagine someone tackling a debt by breaking it down piece by piece, making it more manageable.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Defray is a formal verb meaning to pay for or cover costs, thereby reducing a financial burden. It is often used with costs, expenses, or debts, and stresses that the payer is distributing or absorbing part of the total amount. The word implies partnership or external support rather than paying the full bill oneself. In business or philanthropy, institutions may defray travel, relocation, or project costs by allocating funds. For example, a foundation may defray part of the relocation costs for an employee, or a sponsor may defray travel expenses for attendees.
Usage Reminders
- Use defray with costs or expenses, not debts.
- It is formal; prefer in writing or official contexts.
- Often passive constructions are possible: costs were defrayed.
- Pair with verbs like defray the costs of, defray travel, or defray relocation.
- Avoid using defray for everyday small purchases.
- Check collocations with foundation, sponsor, or government to defray costs.
Common Misconceptions
- Defray means to cause someone to break apart a debt.
- Defray is the same as pay in full; it always implies full payment.
- Defray only applies to personal expenses, not organizational funding.
- Defray is informal slang rather than formal writing.
- Defray can be used interchangeably with borrow or owe.
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate paying from debt more clearly; defray is often reserved for costs and external help, not personal loans.
Learning Tips
- Note that defray is formal; reserve for official or business writing.
- Pair with the: defray the costs of, defray travel, defray relocation.
- Remember it concerns costs or expenses, not debt repayment.
- Check who is doing the defraying: sponsor, foundation, government, or company.
- Use passive form when the focus is on the costs being covered: costs were defrayed.
- Practice with common collocations to sound natural in formal English.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'defray' mean?
A.To cause something to happen
B.To pay for or cover a cost
C.To enjoy oneself excessively
D.To argue or debate
Step 2: Usage
Which of these sentences uses 'defray' correctly?
A.She decided to defray her lunch by cooking at home.
B.He was happy to defray the discussion about politics.
C.They will defray some costs of the trip with fundraising.
D.The teacher asked the students to defray their homework.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'defray'?
A.Ignore
B.Cover
C.Postpone
D.Emphasize
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'defray'?
A.Charge
B.Exempt
C.Contribute
D.Incurs
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context involving the word 'defray'?
A.The organization will seek donations to cover some expenses for the event.
B.The school has a program that helps defray student fees through grants.
C.She worries about how to manage her budget each month.
D.He is planning a vacation and needs to save enough money.
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