Definition

1. Adverb:
   • With the postage already paid by the sender: Describes a method of sending mail or a parcel where the cost of postage has been covered in advance by the person or entity sending it, so the recipient does not have to pay upon delivery.

Usage

• The term "post-paid" is used to describe the payment status of postage for mail or parcels. It is typically placed after a verb or used as an adjective-like modifier before a noun.
• Example as an adverb: "The company will send the documents post-paid." (The company will send the documents with the postage already paid.)
• Example modifying a noun: "Please use this post-paid envelope for your reply." (Please use this envelope, which has the postage for a reply already paid.)

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The sample was mailed post-paid to all participants. (The cost of sending the sample was paid by the researchers, not the recipients.)
  • I will return the form post-paid, as instructed. (I will return the form in an envelope where the return postage is already paid.)

Advanced Usage

• In formal/business contexts: Often used in official correspondence, rebate offers, or business reply services to facilitate a response without cost to the recipient.
  • All applications must be submitted using the post-paid reply card provided.
• Historical/Contextual Note: While still understood, the specific term "post-paid" is less common in everyday modern English than phrases like "postage paid," "business reply mail," or "pre-paid."

Variants and Related Words

• Postage paid (phrase): A more common modern phrase with the same meaning as "post-paid."
• Pre-paid (adjective): Paid for in advance; can apply to postage and other services.
• Business reply mail (noun): A specific type of post-paid mail service used by businesses.

Synonyms

• Carriage paid: A less common, chiefly British term with a similar meaning for freight.
• Freight paid: Indicates shipping costs are covered by the sender.

Antonyms

• Postage due: Requiring payment of postage by the recipient upon delivery.
• Collect on Delivery (COD): A service where the recipient pays for the item and/or postage upon delivery.

Adverb

1. having the postage paid by the sender
   • I will send it post-paid