“Redemption” has several interconnected meanings, all revolving around the idea of being freed from something negative or attaining a positive state:
1. The act of freeing someone or something from captivity, debt, or obligation:
- This meaning emphasizes the removal of a burden or restriction, often through payment or sacrifice.
Sentence examples:
- The king demanded a hefty ransom for the redemption of the captured soldiers.
- She paid off her student loans, achieving financial redemption.
- The company offered a redemption program for faulty products.
2. The act of regaining or restoring something lost, stolen, or damaged:
- This meaning focuses on recovering or bringing back something valuable that was previously lost or taken away.
Sentence examples:
- The detective hoped to redeem the stolen jewels and return them to their rightful owner.
- The team aimed to redeem their reputation after a series of disappointing performances.
- The restoration project aimed to redeem the historical building from its dilapidated state.
3. The act of achieving moral improvement or salvation:
- This meaning emphasizes a spiritual or personal transformation, often involving overcoming past misdeeds or negativity.
Sentence examples:
- He sought redemption for his past mistakes by volunteering for a worthy cause.
- The religious ceremony offered a path to redemption through faith and repentance.
- The protagonist’s journey in the story represents a search for redemption and self-discovery.
4. The act of fulfilling a promise or obligation:
- This meaning emphasizes keeping one’s word or completing a designated task.
Sentence examples:
- He finally redeemed the coupon he had been saving for a special occasion.
- The politician aimed to redeem his campaign promises by enacting meaningful change.
- The company worked tirelessly to redeem its commitment to customer satisfaction.
Additional points:
- The specific meaning of “redemption” depends on the context in which it is used.
- It can be a powerful concept with religious, moral, and personal significance.
- The concept of redemption often involves overcoming challenges, making amends, and striving for positive change.
Here are some combined examples showcasing different meanings:
- The film explores the protagonist’s quest for personal redemption after a tragic accident. (moral improvement)
- The hostage negotiator aimed to secure the redemption of the captives through peaceful means. (freeing from captivity)
- The athlete hoped to redeem himself from a poor performance in the previous competition. (regaining reputation)