remittal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical (legal/financial)
Quick answer
What does “remittal” mean?
The act of sending or transferring something (like a case or payment) back to a previous authority or state.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of sending or transferring something (like a case or payment) back to a previous authority or state; remission.
1. The cancellation or reduction of a debt, penalty, or sentence. 2. The act of referring a matter for decision to another authority. 3. A less common term for the act of forgiving or pardoning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English, especially in legal contexts (e.g., 'remittal to the county court'). In American English, 'remand', 'referral', or 'remission' are often preferred.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries a formal, procedural connotation. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both varieties. Higher relative frequency in UK legal texts.
Grammar
How to Use “remittal” in a Sentence
the remittal of [something] to [authority/place]remittal to [court/tribunal]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remittal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The judge decided to remit the case.
- The authority may remit the outstanding fee.
American English
- The appellate court remanded the case.
- The board voted to remit the penalty.
adverb
British English
- [No adverbial form.]
American English
- [No adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [No common adjectival form of 'remittal'. 'Remissible' is related but rare.]
American English
- [No common adjectival form of 'remittal'. 'Remissible' is related but rare.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal contracts regarding debt remittal.
Academic
Used in legal and socio-legal studies discussing court procedures.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be replaced by simpler terms like 'cancellation' or 'sending back'.
Technical
Core usage. Legal term for sending a case back to a lower court or an earlier stage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “remittal”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “remittal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remittal”
- Using 'remittal' in casual conversation. Confusing it with 'remittance' (a payment sent). Incorrectly pluralising as 'remittals' (possible but very rare).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms and often interchangeable, especially in contexts of cancelling debts or penalties. However, 'remittal' is more specifically tied to the act of sending back (e.g., a legal case), while 'remission' has broader medical use (e.g., cancer in remission).
It is not recommended. It is a formal, technical term. In everyday situations, use simpler alternatives like 'cancellation', 'forgiveness', 'sending back', or 'referral' depending on the context.
The main related verb is 'to remit', meaning to send back, refer for decision, or cancel (a debt/punishment).
It is understood but less common than in British law. American legal texts more frequently use 'remand' (for sending a case back) or 'remission'.
The act of sending or transferring something (like a case or payment) back to a previous authority or state.
Remittal is usually formal, technical (legal/financial) in register.
Remittal: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈmɪt(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈmɪt(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-MITTAL: like re-sending (RE) a ball (MITT-al) back to the pitcher. It's about sending something back to where it came from.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE/LEGAL PROCESS IS A JOURNEY (a case is 'sent back' on its path).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'remittal' MOST appropriately used?