CultureSeptember 1, 2026
defray
di-FRAY
Definition
To provide money to pay for a cost or expense, thereby reducing the burden on another party.
Etymology
Derived from the Middle French 'defrayer', meaning to pay expenses, which originates from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'from' and 'frais' meaning 'costs' or 'expenses'.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe how arts organisations avoid financial responsibility by shifting costs—like unpaid practice hours—onto the artists themselves, thus managing their own budgets.
Who should assume the risk when art gets controversial – the artist or their employer?
Read the full article ↗The Conversation