payback
|pay-back|
B2
/ˈpeɪˌbæk/
return or revenge
Etymology
Etymology Information
'payback' originates from the combination of 'pay' and 'back', where 'pay' meant 'to give money' and 'back' meant 'return'.
Historical Evolution
'payback' evolved from the Old English word 'pæġ' meaning 'to pay' and 'bæc' meaning 'back', eventually forming the modern English word 'payback'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to return money', but over time it evolved to include the idea of 'revenge'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of returning money that was borrowed or owed.
The payback period for the loan is 5 years.
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Antonyms
Noun 2
revenge or retaliation for a previous action.
He sought payback for the insult he received.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42