remitter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low Frequency)Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “remitter” mean?
A person who sends a payment, especially by post or bank transfer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who sends a payment, especially by post or bank transfer. (Most common, from finance/business)
1) In law: the principle by which a person who releases a claim to property they do not own is restored to a former right or title. 2) Archaic: One who forgives or pardons an offence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The financial sense is identical in both varieties. The legal term 'doctrine of remitter' exists in both UK and US law but is more commonly referenced in US property law contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in finance. Highly specialised and obscure in law.
Frequency
Rare in everyday language; found almost exclusively in banking, international trade, and legal documents.
Grammar
How to Use “remitter” in a Sentence
[Remitter] + [Verb: sends/transfers] + [Payment] + [to Recipient][Payment] + [Verb: is made] + [by Remitter]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remitter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bank will remit the funds tomorrow.
- He promised to remit the balance by cheque.
American English
- Please remit payment via the online portal.
- The fee will be remitted directly to the university.
adjective
British English
- The remitting bank must verify the details.
- Please provide remittance advice.
American English
- The remittance amount is incorrect.
- Follow the remittance procedures outlined.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential on bank transfer forms and payment instructions to identify the source of funds. 'The remitter's name must match the account holder.'
Academic
Used in economics, finance, and law papers discussing payment systems or historical property law.
Everyday
Virtually never used. One would say 'the person who sent the money'.
Technical
Standard term in banking, international wire transfers, and legal contracts concerning payment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “remitter”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “remitter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remitter”
- Confusing it with 'remittance' (the payment itself). 'I am the remitter of this remittance.'
- Using it in casual conversation where 'sender' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the context of payments, they are synonyms. However, 'remitter' is a formal, technical term used specifically for financial/legal transactions, while 'sender' is general and can be used for emails, letters, or packages as well.
No. It is a low-frequency, specialised term. The average English speaker will encounter it primarily on banking documents or in specific legal contexts, not in daily conversation.
Historically, yes, based on the older meaning of 'remit' as 'to forgive or pardon'. However, this usage is now completely archaic and obsolete. The modern meaning is almost exclusively financial/legal.
In a payment transaction, the direct opposite is 'beneficiary' or 'payee' (the person receiving the money). In the legal sense, the opposite party might be the 'claimant' or 'grantee'.
A person who sends a payment, especially by post or bank transfer.
Remitter is usually formal/technical in register.
Remitter: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈmɪtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈmɪt̬ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Doctrine of Remitter (Legal term, not a true idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REMITTER as the person who RE-MITS (sends again/forwards) money. The '-er' ending signifies the person who does the action, like sender or receiver.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE OF FLOW (The remitter is the source point in a flow of money from A to B).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'remitter' MOST likely to be used?