payoff
|pay/off|
🇺🇸
/ˈpeɪˌɔf/
🇬🇧
/ˈpeɪˌɒf/
rewarding result
Etymology
'payoff' originates from the combination of 'pay' and 'off', where 'pay' meant 'to give money' and 'off' indicated 'completion or conclusion'.
'payoff' evolved from the phrase 'pay off', which was used in the 19th century to indicate the settlement of a debt or obligation.
Initially, it meant 'to settle a debt', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a rewarding outcome or result'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a final outcome or result, especially one that is satisfying or rewarding.
The payoff for all their hard work was a successful product launch.
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Noun 2
a payment made to someone, especially as a bribe or as a settlement.
The company made a payoff to avoid a lawsuit.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39