deposit

word

/dəˈpɑzɪt/
duh-POZ-it
/dɪpˈɒsɪt/
di-POZ-it

Definition

A deposit is money paid in advance as part of a larger payment, money placed into a bank account, or a sum kept as security and returned later. As a verb, it means to put money into a bank account or place something somewhere.

Usage & Nuances

Very common in banking and renting. 'Pay a deposit' often means a partial payment or security payment; 'make a deposit' usually means put money into a bank account. For rentals, 'security deposit' is the standard phrase. As a verb, 'deposit' is more formal than 'put in' or 'pay in'.

Example Sentences

We had to put down a deposit before they would hold the car for us.

natural

Can you deposit this check for me on your way home?

natural

Don't forget they'll refund the deposit if nothing is damaged.

natural

I paid a deposit for the hotel room.

basic

She went to the bank to deposit some cash.

basic

The apartment requires a security deposit.

basic