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

1. the act of purchasing back something previously sold
2. repayment of the principal amount of a debt or security at or before maturity (as when a corporation repurchases its own stock)
3. (theology) the act of delivering from sin or saving from evil