Requite for Dummies

Requite is a word that we use to talk about when someone does something nice for us or helps us out in some way, and then we do something nice for them in return. It's like a way of saying "thank you" by doing something nice back to show our gratitude. So, when we say that we "requite" someone, it means that we are returning the favor or repaying their kindness.

Let me give you an example to help you understand it better. Imagine that your friend helps you with your homework. They spend their time explaining a difficult math problem to you and make sure you understand it. They go out of their way to be helpful and kind. Now, since they were there for you when you needed their support, the word "requite" means that you want to do something nice for them in return. It could be as simple as helping them with their homework in the future, or maybe even taking them out for ice cream to show your appreciation for what they did.

So, in simple terms, "requite" means to repay someone's kindness or help by doing something nice for them in return. It's like showing gratitude and making sure that the people who have helped us feel appreciated.

Now, it's important to keep in mind that "requite" can also have another definition. Besides referring to returning the favor, it can also mean to respond or retaliate to someone's actions or feelings. It's like a way of saying "getting back at someone" or "paying them back" for something they did. However, in this context, we typically use the word "requite" to emphasize a negative response or revenge-like behavior. So, when someone harms or hurts us, and we choose to harm them back in return, that would also fall under the definition of "requiting."

To summarize, "requite" can mean either repaying someone's kindness by doing something nice for them in return or responding or retaliating to someone's harmful actions or feelings. It's a way of expressing appreciation or seeking retribution, depending on the context.