The word "defrays" is spelled with a "d," followed by an "e" that sounds like "eh," a "f," and then a long "a" sound represented by the letter "a." The next syllable begins with an "r" sound, followed by a diphthong that sounds like "ay." This diphthong is represented by the letters "ay" in the spelling. The final syllable ends with a "z" sound, represented by the letter "s." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /dɪˈfreɪz/. Defrays means to provide money to pay a cost or expense.
"Defrays" is a verb that refers to the act of providing financial support or covering the expenses or costs of something. It is commonly used to describe the payment or settlement of various expenditures. When someone or an organization defrays expenses, they assume the responsibility of paying for them, often as a form of assistance, sponsorship, or reimbursement.
The term "defrays" implies that someone takes on the burden of expense on behalf of others or contributes to the cost of a particular venture. For example, a company might defray the costs of an employee's business trip by reimbursing their travel and accommodation expenses. Similarly, a scholarship or grant program may defray the tuition fees or other educational expenses for deserving students.
In a broader context, "defrays" can apply to public expenses incurred by governments or organizations. For instance, taxes collected by a government are often used to defray the costs of public services, such as infrastructure development, healthcare, or public education.
Overall, "defrays" signifies the act of assuming or providing financial support for expenses, whether on an individual or collective basis. It highlights the notion of covering or reimbursing costs, thereby reducing the financial burden for those involved.
The word "defrays" originated from the Old French word "defraier", which meant "to pay" or "to fend for". It was derived from the Latin word "dis-" meaning "away", and "fredum", meaning "expense" or "payment". Over time, the meaning of "defrays" has evolved to refer specifically to the act of providing payment for someone's expenses or costs.