WordGarden.ioredemptive
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪdˈɛmptɪv/
US
- /rɪˈdɛmptɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
helping to make up for harm, failure, or wrongdoing by restoring worth or meaning
relating to spiritual salvation or deliverance from sin
Beyond the definition
Something redemptive has the power to save a situation, person, or relationship from ruin or failure. Think of a hero's journey: often, their final act is redemptive, meaning it helps make up for past mistakes and leads to a better outcome. It's not just about fixing things; it's about finding value even in hardship. A redemptive arc in a story isn't simply a happy ending, but one earned through struggle and growth.
The word comes from the idea of "redeeming" something—buying it back or rescuing it. You might say a difficult experience was ultimately redemptive if it led to personal growth, or that an artist's final masterpiece was redemptive, solidifying their legacy after years of criticism. It's often used in religious contexts, referring to salvation or atonement, but its meaning extends far beyond faith.
The word "redemptive" describes something that serves to save, recover, or make right. It implies a process of overcoming adversity, correcting errors, or finding value and purpose even within difficult circumstances. While often associated with religious concepts like salvation and atonement—where redemption refers to being saved from sin or wrongdoing—its meaning extends far beyond the spiritual realm.
A redemptive act isn't just about fixing a problem; it's about restoring something through sacrifice, effort, or change. For example, an author might write a novel that is redemptive for them personally, allowing them to process past trauma and find meaning in their experiences.
You can also describe a character's journey as redemptive. This means the character undergoes significant change, learns from their mistakes, and ultimately achieves a positive transformation. Think of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol—his transformation is powerfully redemptive, not just for himself but for those around him.
The concept of being redemptive can also apply to broader societal issues. A community rebuilding after a disaster might be described as undertaking a redemptive project, striving to restore hope and create a better future. It suggests a powerful force at work—a turning point where something broken is made whole again, or even improved upon.
So, when you encounter the word "redemptive," think beyond simple rescue. Consider the idea of restoration, transformation, and finding meaning in the face of hardship—it's about making things right, not just fixing them.
Examples
- 1
Film ending
The film is dark at first, but its ending feels surprisingly redemptive.
- 2
Personal atonement
She saw volunteering at the shelter as a redemptive act after years of selfish decisions.
- 3
Character arc
Critics praised the novel for giving even its worst character a redemptive arc.
- Phraseredemptive arc
a character's change toward something better
- 4
Second chances
He wasn't asking us to forget the scandal, only to believe that people can have redemptive second chances.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Recovery
During recovery, music became a redemptive force in his life.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- atoning
- compensatory
- salvific
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- redemptive power
- redemptive arc
- redemptive suffering
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- redemptiveadjective