paying someone back for expenses

reimbursement

noun|/ˌriː.ɪmˈbɜːrs.mənt/

Payment returned to someone who spent their own money on behalf of another party

Examples

In a meeting

Submit your receipts by Friday for reimbursement of conference expenses.

Over coffee

I'm still waiting for reimbursement from my roommate for the groceries I bought.

Why this word

repayment

reimbursement specifically means refunding expenses paid on behalf of another, while repayment is returning borrowed money

refund

reimbursement is for compensating outlays made, while refund is returning payment for returned goods

compensation

reimbursement is exact repayment of documented expenses, while compensation is broader payment for loss or service

Usage tip

Use specifically for formal repayment of documented expenses, not casual IOUs between friends.

Etymology

Old French: 're-' (back) + 'embourser' (put in purse), from 'bourse' (purse)

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