Recoup vs Repay - What's the difference?

As verbs the difference between recoup and repay

is that recoup is to make back, as an investment while repay is to pay back.

(en verb)

To make back, as an investment.

He barely managed to recoup his money. He sold out for just what he had invested.

to recoup losses made at the gaming table

To recover from an error.

(legal) To keep back rightfully (a part), as if by cutting off, so as to diminish a sum due; to take off (a part) from damages; to deduct.

A landlord recouped the rent of premises from damages awarded to the plaintiff for eviction.

To reimburse; to indemnify; often used reflexively and in the passive.

* Froude

Elizabeth had lost her venture; but if she was bold, she might recoup herself at Philip's cost.

* Duke of Argyll

Industry is sometimes recouped for a small price by extensive custom.

* recoupable * recoupment

To pay back.

I finally repaid my student loans, just before sending my kids to college.

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