reimburse

USAGE SUMMARY

'reimburse' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used when you need to describe paying someone back after they have paid out money or when you need to return money you have received. For example, "The company reimbursed the employee for the cost of the new computer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are some organisations that offer to reimburse expenses and others that are fully funded for young people to attend.

The Guardian

The staff had a whip-round to reimburse the young girl's lost money.

The Guardian

Since donations had to be made to a campaign bank account, which involves a cumbersome transfer process, the activists donated 1 million roubles (then about £20,000) to the account, then suggested supporters reimburse them little by little through the easy electronic payment service Yandex.Money.

The Guardian

On September 18th the firm settled that case, admitting no wrongdoing but agreeing to set up a $35m fund to reimburse unhappy yogurt-eaters.The over-exuberance of some marketers has also irked regulators.

The Economist

Borrowing an idea touted by John Kerry in 2004, Mr Obama says the federal government should reimburse private insurers for a share of any catastrophic health costs.The Obama path to universal coverage is a paler version of Mr Edwards's.

The Economist

A rule issued in December 2009 institutes a kind of serfdom: doctors trained at publicly funded universities must remain in Hungary for at least four years after qualifying, or reimburse the state.Low salaries mean higher bribes.

The Economist

Unsuccessful defendants are now liable not only for damages and the other side's legal expenses; they must also fork out a "success fee" and reimburse the winner for any insurance they might have taken out against losing.

The Economist

The state was also blessed with lots of money to fund its reforms: an annual $385m pot of federal Medicaid funds, as well as $600m a year that was already being used to help reimburse hospitals for treating the uninsured.

The Economist

I want an insurance plan that will not reimburse for fundamentalism-related conditions.

The Economist

She got $536, much more than her insurance company would have given her.Most galling of all for wildlife officers is the money used to reimburse homeowners comes from licence revenue paid by hunters and fishermen, who see the mountains and foothills as animal territory anyway.

The Economist

Most hospice providers are non-profit; their operators fear that if they were obliged to reimburse money in disputed cases, they would have to charge the families of the dead.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial transactions, use "reimburse" to clearly indicate the act of repaying someone for expenses they incurred. For example, "The company will reimburse employees for travel expenses."

Common error

Avoid using "reimburse" to directly describe giving something back physically. Instead, use it specifically for monetary compensation, focusing on the repayment of costs or expenses.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reimburse" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object (the person or entity being repaid) and often implies an indirect object (the expense being covered). Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reimburse" is a transitive verb primarily used to describe the act of repaying someone for incurred expenses. According to Ludwig, the word is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and business settings. When using "reimburse", ensure it clearly conveys financial compensation and avoid redundant phrases like "reimburse back". Alternatives such as "compensate", "repay", and "refund" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Ludwig AI's analysis and the examples confirm its frequent and authoritative usage, making it a reliable term in financial and professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Compensate

Focuses on providing something, typically money, as a recompense for loss, injury, or suffering; broader than just monetary returns.

Repay

Specifically denotes giving back what was borrowed, whether it's money or something else.

Refund

Implies returning money, especially when a purchase is unsatisfactory or canceled.

Indemnify

Protects someone against potential losses or damages, legally securing their financial position.

Settle

Resolves a financial obligation or dispute, often involving an agreed-upon payment.

Make restitution

Emphasizes restoring something lost or damaged, often with a moral or legal obligation.

Pay back

A more casual and direct way of saying repay, focusing on the act of returning money.

Make good on

Fulfills a promise or obligation, often involving financial commitments.

Cover the expenses

Focuses on paying for costs incurred, without necessarily implying a prior agreement.

Remunerate

Formally pays someone for services rendered or work completed.

FAQs

How do I use "reimburse" in a sentence?

Use "reimburse" to describe the act of repaying someone for expenses they have incurred. For example, "The company will "reimburse" employees for their travel costs" or "The insurance company will "reimburse" the policyholder for the damages".

What is a good alternative to "reimburse"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "compensate", "repay", or "refund". Each of these words has a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is it correct to say "reimburse back"?

No, it is redundant to say "reimburse back". The word "reimburse" already implies the act of giving back, so adding "back" is unnecessary. Simply use "reimburse".

What's the difference between "reimburse" and "compensate"?

"Reimburse" specifically refers to repaying someone for expenses they have already paid, while "compensate" is a broader term that can refer to providing something (often money) as a recompense for loss, injury, or suffering. You "reimburse" someone for costs they incurred; you "compensate" them for damages or losses.