requite

USAGE SUMMARY

"requite" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to a reaction to an action, usually one of recompense or retaliation. For example, "He requited the insult with a punch to the face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

What remains of Yukos may also be seized, to requite alleged tax debts of some $25 billion.

The Economist

To requite his policy passions without expanding government, Mr Gore will propose tax incentives for an endless list of worthwhile pursuits, with the result that even accountants cease to keep track of the new loopholes in the system.

The Economist

One big pro was that shooting with iPhones in public places does not requite special permits, according to SlashFilm.

Independent

The encyclopedia is the Home Depot of the soul, with something to requite every mood.

The New Yorker

Albanese has introduced a so-called "living wage" bill that would requite all city contractors to pay workers twelve dollars an hour in salary and benefits, which is more than double what some of them now pay.

The New Yorker

Did Mr. Anderson requite Ms. McKinney's love, as she insists?

The New York Times

As for Monza, he said, the Ferrari team would have to rise to requite the passions it arouses, in Italy and around the world, and strain every sinew to help Alonso finish ahead of Vettel.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The best way to celebrate a writer, of course, is to read his work, but that solitary pursuit, which replicates and requites the writer's own lonely labor, lacks a sense of occasion.

The New York Times

His prim teacher, Miss Rich, a martinet in tweed suit and broach ("And no laughing, either," she sputters), requites him with a dreadful report card that produces a storm of parental prohibition: "No ice cream!

The New York Times - Books

The center's exhibit hall richly requites with American history in all its contradictions.

The New York Times

Ibn Daud's reasoning is as follows: once it has been established that only good proceeds from God, it is a matter of justice that man requites his benefactor by serving God.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "requite" primarily in literary or formal contexts to describe returning an action or emotion in kind. It is most famously used in the phrase "unrequited love", where affection is not returned.

Common error

Do not confuse "requite" with "require". While they sound somewhat similar, "require" means to need or demand something, whereas "requite" means to return or repay something.

Linguistic Context

The word "requite" serves as a transitive verb. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it functions to link a subject's response to an external stimulus, such as a debt, a passion or a service. Ludwig AI correctly identifies its primary use as a reaction of recompense or retaliation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "requite" is a precise and sophisticated verb used to describe the act of returning something in kind. Based on the examples from Ludwig, it is most frequently encountered in high-quality journalism and academic writing. While it is often associated with "unrequited love", its utility extends to financial repayment and even retaliation for an injury. Using "requite" instead of common verbs like "repay" or "return" adds a layer of literary depth to your writing, making it an excellent choice for formal essays or professional correspondence. Ludwig AI notes that it is a correct and usable word that fits perfectly when describing a reaction to an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reciprocate

Emphasizes a mutual exchange of feelings or actions

repay

A more common term for returning money or a favor

recompense

Focuses on compensation for loss or effort

retaliate

Used specifically when returning an injury or insult

return

A simpler, broader term for giving back in kind

avenge

Specific to the retaliatory sense of the word

compensate

Stresses the act of making up for a deficit or loss

remunerate

A formal term usually limited to payment for work

satisfy

Used in the context of fulfilling an obligation or debt

reward

A positive version focused on returning a good deed

FAQs

How to use "requite" in a sentence?

You can use "requite" to describe returning a favor or a harm, such as: "She hoped he would "reciprocate" her feelings and finally "requite" her love".

What can I say instead of "requite"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like ""reciprocate"", "repay" or "retaliate".

Which is correct, "requite" or "reciprocate"?

Both are correct, but ""reciprocate"" is more common in modern conversation, while "requite" has a more formal or literary tone.

What's the difference between "requite" and "avenge"?

"requite" is neutral and can mean returning either a good or a bad deed, whereas "avenge" is strictly negative and relates to punishment for a wrong.