down payment
/'daun'peimənt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A partial payment made at the time of purchase; the balance to be paid later: A "down payment" is an initial, upfront sum of money paid when buying something expensive, typically a house or a car. The remaining cost is then paid over time, often through a loan or installments.
Usage
- The term "down payment" is used to describe the first payment in a purchase agreement that secures the item and reduces the total amount to be financed.
- It is commonly associated with major purchases like real estate (e.g., "make a down payment on a house") and vehicles.
- It functions as a countable noun (e.g., "a down payment," "the down payment").
Examples
- Noun:
- We saved for years to make a 20% down payment on our new home.
- The car dealership requires a minimum down payment of $5,000.
- She couldn't afford the down payment, so she decided to keep renting.
Advanced Usage
- "To put a down payment on something": To make the initial payment to secure a purchase.
- They put a down payment on the apartment to take it off the market.
- "Substantial/sizeable down payment": Emphasizes a large initial payment.
- A larger down payment can lead to lower monthly mortgage payments.
Variants and Related Words
- Deposit (noun): A sum paid as a first installment to secure a purchase or service. (Note: A "deposit" can be more general and sometimes refundable, while a "down payment" is typically non-refundable and part of the purchase price.)
- Advance payment (noun phrase): A payment made before a service is completed or goods are delivered.
- Initial payment (noun phrase): A synonym often used interchangeably with "down payment."
Synonyms
- Deposit: A sum paid as a first installment.
- Earnest money: A deposit made to show good faith in a real estate transaction.
- Front money: Informal term for money paid in advance.
Related Phrases
- "Make a down payment": The standard phrase for completing this action.
- You will need to make a down payment before the loan is approved.
- "Down payment assistance": Programs or aid designed to help buyers afford the initial payment.
- They qualified for a state down payment assistance program.
Noun
- a partial payment made at the time of purchase; the balance to be paid later