Spell Bee Word: defray

Basic Details

Word: Defray

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To help pay for something, especially costs or expenses.

Synonyms: Cover, finance, pay for, settle

Antonyms: Charge, require, demand

Idioms and Phrases

1. Defray the costs: To pay for the expenses. Example: "The school will defray the costs of the trip to ensure all students can attend.”
2. Defray expenses: To cover the costs incurred. Example: "The grant will help defray expenses for the community project."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The charity event aimed to defray the medical bills for the children in need.

Example 2: We found a sponsor who would defray some of the costs for our school’s sports team uniforms.

Example 3: The government provided funds to defray the costs of the new education programme.

Fun Fact

The word "defray" comes from the Old French word "dèfrayer," meaning "to pay or settle a debt." This shows how the concept of payment has evolved in language over centuries.

Famous Quote

"To help others is to defray their burdens, which can lead to a brighter future for everyone." Unknown

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "defray" mean?

a) To increase an expense
b) To help pay for something
c) To ignore a bill
d) To lend money

Answer: b) To help pay for something

2. Which of these is a synonym of "defray"?

a) Ignore
b) Cover
c) Increase
d) Demand

Answer: b) Cover

3. What is an antonym of "defray"?

a) Support
b) Charge
c) Pay for
d) Finance

Answer: b) Charge

4. Which sentence uses "defray" correctly?

a) The company will defray the costs of the lunch for all employees.
b) I will defray this book by reading it.
c) She defrayed her homework on time.
d) They decided to defray with a big celebration.

Answer: a) The company will defray the costs of the lunch for all employees.

5. Which idiom refers to the act of "defraying"?

a) To foot the bill
b) To keep a cool head
c) To hit the nail on the head
d) To break the ice

Answer: a) To foot the bill