peɪ bæk
neutral
beginner
- Base verb:
- pay
- Particle:
- back
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "pay back" mean?
- To return money that you owe someone
- To take revenge on someone
Examples
- I'll pay you back next week.
- She swore to pay him back for what he did.
- Can you lend me $50? I'll pay you back Friday.
- He paid her back by spreading rumours.
- I always pay back my debts.
How to use it
'Payback' (noun) means revenge or the repayment of a loan. Can be positive (loans) or negative (revenge).
Word order
Object can go between: 'pay the money back' or after: 'pay back the money'.
Similar expressions
repay
reimburse
return
revenge
retaliate
Opposites
borrow
owe
Related phrasal verbs
Use it in a practice answer
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