defray

Everyday

(formal) To pay some or all of the cost of something: «to defray the costs». tree →

In the lessons

A formal, exam and business word, nearly always with «costs» or «expenses». In everyday life people say «help pay for» or «cover». In school letters: «A small charge will help defray the cost of the trip.» It tells you money is given to reduce what someone has to pay.

Examples

• The bake sale helped defray the cost of the school trip. tree →
• (formal) The company will defray all travel expenses. tree →
• Parents were asked for two pounds to defray the cost of the coach. tree →
• Selling tickets helped defray the expenses of the play. tree →
• (formal) A grant was awarded to defray the costs of research. tree →
• If they are not claimed in seven days they are sent far away to the Neverland to defray expenses. tree →

Note

Formal; almost always «defray the cost(s)/expenses». Past: «defrayed». In maths problems, if a club raises money to defray costs, subtract it from the total: costs of 500 minus 200 raised leaves 300 still to pay.