gift certificate — A voucher that can be exchanged for goods or services of a specified value at a particular store
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A voucher that can be exchanged for goods or services of a specified value at a particular store
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɡɪft sərˈtɪfɪkət/
Example Sentences
- My aunt always gives me a bookstore gift certificate because she knows I'm a bookworm
- He forgot his wife's birthday, so he panic-bought a spa gift certificate on his way home
- The company distributed restaurant gift certificates as employee bonuses
gift certificate
NOUN[/ˈɡɪft sərˈtɪfɪkət/]
A voucher that can be exchanged for goods or services of a specified value at a particular store
She unwrapped a gift certificate for her favorite bookstore and beamed with joy.
A gift certificate can be elaborate or moderate!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Gift derives from Old Norse 'gipt' meaning 'gift' or 'present', while certificate comes from Latin 'certificatus', the past participle of 'certificare' (to certify or make certain). The compound term 'gift certificate' as a retail instrument emerged in the mid-20th century as merchants sought a standardized method for customers to purchase store credit.
Breakdown
Gift (Old Norse 'gipt': a present or donation) + certificate (Latin 'certificatus': certified or proven). The compound functions as a noun phrase where 'gift' modifies the nature of the certificate, creating a document that certifies a monetary gift redeemable for merchandise.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My aunt always gives me a bookstore gift certificate because she knows I'm a bookworm”
“He forgot his wife's birthday, so he panic-bought a spa gift certificate on his way home”
“The company distributed restaurant gift certificates as employee bonuses”
“She found a five-year-old gift certificate in her wallet and prayed it hadn't expired”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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