redemption
/ri'dempʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The act of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil: In religious contexts, redemption refers to the action of being saved from sin or evil, often through a sacrifice or divine act. 2. The action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt: This refers to the act of buying something back, reclaiming ownership, or paying off a financial obligation. 3. The action of fulfilling or carrying out a promise, pledge, or duty: This meaning involves the act of honoring a commitment or making good on a promise.
Usage Examples
- Theological/Spiritual Context:
- Many believe in the redemption of souls through faith and good deeds.
- The story is a powerful tale of sin and ultimate redemption.
- Financial/Transactional Context:
- The redemption of the bonds will occur at their maturity date.
- He saved enough for the redemption of his watch from the pawnshop.
- Fulfilling a Commitment:
- The redemption of his campaign pledge was a key goal for his administration.
Advanced Usage
- "Beyond/past redemption": Used to describe a person or situation that is so bad it cannot be saved or improved.
- The old building was considered beyond redemption and was scheduled for demolition.
- "Redemption arc": A narrative term describing a character's journey from a flawed or villainous state to a state of moral goodness or salvation.
- The film's protagonist has a compelling redemption arc.
Variants and Related Words
- Redeem (verb): To carry out the act of redemption. (e.g., ).
- Redeemable (adjective): Capable of being redeemed. (e.g., ).
- Redemptive (adjective): Having the quality of redeeming or saving. (e.g., ).
Synonyms
- Salvation: (especially in religious contexts) deliverance from sin and its consequences.
- Reclamation: The process of claiming something back or of reasserting a right.
- Fulfillment: The achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted.
Phrasal Verbs / Common Collocations
- "To seek redemption": To try to achieve redemption, often for past wrongs.
- After his release from prison, he sought redemption through community service.
- "A chance at redemption": An opportunity to redeem oneself.
- The final game was his last chance at redemption.
Related Idioms
- "Redemption song": A phrase popularized by Bob Marley's song, symbolizing a song or message about freedom, liberation, and overcoming oppression.
- Her speech was a powerful redemption song for the marginalized community.
Noun
- the act of purchasing back something previously sold
- repayment of the principal amount of a debt or security at or before maturity (as when a corporation repurchases its own stock)
- (theology) the act of delivering from sin or saving from evil