redound: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 - Very low frequency, primarily literary, formal, or bureaucratic.Formal, Literary, Bureaucratic, Academic.
Quick answer
What does “redound” mean?
To have a particular effect or consequence, especially as a result of one's actions or qualities, contributing to or reflecting positively/negatively upon something or someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To have a particular effect or consequence, especially as a result of one's actions or qualities, contributing to or reflecting positively/negatively upon something or someone.
1. (Literary/Formal) To contribute greatly to a person's credit, honour, or reputation. 2. (Of an action, quality, etc.) To come back or recoil upon the originator. 3. (Archaic) To flow or surge back.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in formality and rarity. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British parliamentary or Commonwealth bureaucratic language.
Connotations
Connotes gravitas, indirect consequence, and often a moral or reputational dimension.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher in UK formal/official documents.
Grammar
How to Use “redound” in a Sentence
V + to + NP (e.g., redound to his honour)V + upon + NP (e.g., redounded upon the company)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redound” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The diplomat's tact redounded to the benefit of the entire delegation.
- Such sharp practices will inevitably redound upon the firm's reputation.
- Their charitable works redound greatly to their honour.
American English
- The new policy is designed to redound to the advantage of small businesses.
- The scandal ultimately redounded upon the founders of the organization.
- His meticulous research redounded to his credit in the academic community.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal reports: 'The CEO's prudent decision is expected to redound to the long-term financial stability of the firm.'
Academic
Used in historical/political analysis: 'The peace treaty redounded to the glory of the statesmen involved.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Rare, but may appear in legal or ethical discourses concerning consequences.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redound”
- Using it without 'to' or 'upon'. *'His success redounded his fame.' (Incorrect) -> 'His success redounded to his fame.' (Correct)
- Using it in informal contexts where 'lead to' or 'result in' is appropriate.
- Confusing it with 'resound'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and used almost exclusively in formal, literary, or official contexts. Learners at levels below C2 are unlikely to encounter it.
It almost always requires a prepositional phrase. The most common are 'redound to' (indicating the beneficiary or area affected, e.g., 'to his credit') and 'redound upon' (indicating a consequence recoiling on the originator).
Yes. While often used for positive consequences ('redound to one's credit'), it can be used for negative ones, especially with 'upon': 'The fraud redounded upon the perpetrators.'
'Resound' means to fill a place with sound or to be widely famous. 'Redound' is about indirect consequences affecting reputation. 'His deeds resounded through the land' (were widely known). 'His deeds redounded to his honour' (enhanced his reputation as a result).
To have a particular effect or consequence, especially as a result of one's actions or qualities, contributing to or reflecting positively/negatively upon something or someone.
Redound is usually formal, literary, bureaucratic, academic. in register.
Redound: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈdaʊnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈdaʊnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “redound to someone's credit/honour”
- “redound to the benefit of all”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE (back/again) + SOUND (like an echo). An action can SOUND back (RE-SOUND/redound) upon you, affecting your reputation.
Conceptual Metaphor
REPUTATION IS A BOOMERANG (Actions come back to affect the originator).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'redound' used correctly?