DictionarysquareBalance and settlement
verb / adjective / adverb

square

To bring an account or relationship into fair balance.

I send you the remaining ten dollars to square our account.

Etymology

The idea of making something square developed into making it correct or even. Squaring an account brings obligations into an agreed balance.

More examples

  • You bought lunch last time, so this meal makes us square.
  • We square up with the babysitter before she leaves.
  • She wins the match fair and square.

Forms

square · squares · squared · squaring · squarer · squarest

squarely adverb — In a fair and honest manner.

Similar words

settle
Emphasizes resolving a debt or dispute rather than restoring fairness.
repay
Specifically means returning money owed or a favor received.