Requite

To requite means to make a return for a benefit, injury, or favour. It involves repaying or retaliating in kind. This can be with something positive, like gratitude or a reciprocal action, or with something negative, such as revenge. The act of requiting is often driven by a sense of fairness, justice, or a desire for balance in a relationship or situation. The intensity of requital can vary, ranging from a simple acknowledgement to a grand gesture, depending on the initial stimulus and the individual's motivations.

Requite meaning with examples

• After her friend helped her move, Sarah felt a strong urge to requite the kindness. She baked a large batch of cookies and brought them over as a small token of her appreciation, demonstrating a simple act of reciprocation and gratitude for her friend's assistance.
• The company was so impressed with his work ethic, they decided to requite his hard work with a significant bonus. They recognised his dedication and wanted to offer him an incentive for him to continue performing at a high level.
• Feeling betrayed by his business partner's deception, he plotted to requite the betrayal with a carefully orchestrated countermove. He wanted to ensure that his partner would understand the damage that they had caused and was looking for revenge.
• The ancient king, known for his magnanimity, chose to requite his enemies' surrender with clemency and granted them safe passage. He felt that a show of mercy was appropriate considering the situation and did not believe in seeking revenge.
• Although she had suffered through many painful challenges, she was determined to requite her own sadness with acts of self-care and positivity. She sought to balance the negative with the positive by doing things that helped her to feel happy.