reˈquital: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2, Literary/Formal)Literary, Formal, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “reˈquital” mean?
Something given in return or repayment, especially for a service or injury.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Something given in return or repayment, especially for a service or injury; a reciprocal act.
An act of retaliation or vengeance; compensation for a loss or effort; the act or process of making a suitable return.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. It is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, it strongly connotes a formal, often poetic or dramatic, settling of a score. Can sound archaic or biblical.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely found in literary texts, historical novels, or formal oratory than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “reˈquital” in a Sentence
N in requital for NV (seek, demand, exact) requital for NN as (a) requitalVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reˈquital” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hero sought to requite the villain's betrayal with equal force.
American English
- She hoped to requite his loyalty with her unwavering support.
adverb
British English
- He acted requitally, mirroring the kindness he had received.
American English
- The law was applied requitally, without favour.
adjective
British English
- A requital act was expected by the old code of honour.
American English
- They discussed the requital nature of the proposed treaty.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. 'Compensation' or 'remuneration' are standard.
Academic
Rare, but may appear in literary criticism, historical studies, or philosophy discussing justice/retribution.
Everyday
Not used in casual conversation. Would be perceived as highly formal or pretentious.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reˈquital”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reˈquital”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reˈquital”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈriːkwɪtəl/ (wrong stress).
- Misspelling: 'requitle', 'requitile'.
- Using it in an informal context where 'payback' or 'return' would be natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is rare and used primarily in formal, literary, or historical contexts.
Yes, it can mean a repayment for a good deed, but its stronger association is with retribution for a wrong.
The related verb is 'requite' (/rɪˈkwaɪt/), meaning to make appropriate return for (a favour, injury, etc.).
The symbol 't̬' indicates a 'flapped T' or 'alveolar tap', which sounds like a soft 'd' as in the middle of the word 'ladder' or 'butter' in American English.
Something given in return or repayment, especially for a service or injury.
Reˈquital is usually literary, formal, archaic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Exact a terrible requital”
- “In requital of/for services rendered”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'QUIT' in the middle: to 'quit' a debt, to settle it fully, either by repaying a kindness or retaliating for a wrong.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS AN EXCHANGE OF DEBTS (moral or otherwise); JUSTICE IS A BALANCED SCALE (requital restores the balance).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'requital' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?