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to defray

to defray

8 7.9
To pay part or all of someone's costs
  • verb
  • /dɪˈfreɪ/
  • Formal
translation icon : pagar
  • The school organized a fundraiser to help defray the cost of new books.
  • defray costs
  • defray the expenses
  • defray legal fees

Examples

  • You decide to defray the high cost of photography by selling your images in some fashion.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The higher price would help defray the operational costs of institutions and help fund a more robust financial aid program.

    Academic text (2005)
  • All of it will be worth something and will help defray our costs.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • The cost of research and development are there, which is all you are asked to defray.

  • Usually, our students do not get any financial help to defray travel expenses.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Do ask whether there would be a fee to help defray heating or electricity costs.

    Academic text (2004)
  • You can look into government tax incentives and grants to defray a portion of the overall cost.

    Blog text (32)
  • Many inexperienced teachers seek employment in these schools to defray the cost of college loans.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The money is to be used to help defray the organization's operating costs, including leaflets, Spanish language texts, and coffee.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Vendor sponsorship of conferences through direct contributions and renting exhibit booth space helps defray conference costs and enables more librarians to attend.

    Academic text (2012)

Synonyms

to fund
vsto defray
576 3.0

To give money for a particular purpose

pays costs as they occur rather than setting money aside
to finance
vsto defray
277 3.3

To provide money to pay for something

covers costs directly rather than arranging outside money
to pay the bills
vsto defray
  • Informal
74 2.3

Provide enough money to cover regular living costs like rent and food

is more specific to routine expenses rather than general cost coverage
to bankroll
vsto defray
29 6.3

To give money to help a project, person, or organization

covers particular costs rather than offering ongoing financial backing
to disburse
vsto defray
  • Specialized
1 7.4

To pay money from a fund for a special purpose

means to cover costs rather than the administrative act of paying out

Antonyms

210 5.1

Refuse to give something someone wants or needs

How Much

to sponsor
362 3.7
to fund
576 3.0
to defray
  • Formal
8 7.9
to pay
1.0
to contribute
883 2.7

Surface Forms

defray infinitive
defrayed past
defrayed past participle
defraying present participle
defrays third person singular

Etymology

Defray comes from old French parts de- meaning 'off' and frais meaning 'expense', so imagine 'taking the cost away'. So, to defray is to 'pay' or cover the cost of something.