Compensate: meaning, definitions and examples

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compensate

 

[ ˈkɒmpɛnˌseɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in finance

To make up for (a loss or lack) by exerting oneself to achieve an equivalent or a substitute. It involves giving something, typically money, in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury sustained.

Synonyms

indemnify, reimburse, repay

Examples of usage

  • Companies often compensate their employees for working overtime.
  • She compensated for her mistake by working extra hours to fix it.
  • The insurance company compensated the family for the damage caused by the flood.
Context #2 | Verb

in psychology

To counterbalance or neutralize the effect of (something). In psychology, it refers to the process of offsetting perceived deficiencies or disabilities by accentuating strengths or virtues.

Synonyms

counterbalance, neutralize, offset

Examples of usage

  • He compensated for his shyness by developing excellent public speaking skills.
  • She compensated for her lack of confidence by excelling in her field of expertise.

Translations

Translations of the word "compensate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 compensar

🇮🇳 क्षतिपूर्ति करना

🇩🇪 kompensieren

🇮🇩 mengkompensasi

🇺🇦 компенсувати

🇵🇱 zrekompensować

🇯🇵 補償する (ほしょうする)

🇫🇷 compenser

🇪🇸 compensar

🇹🇷 telafi etmek

🇰🇷 보상하다

🇸🇦 يعوض

🇨🇿 kompenzovat

🇸🇰 kompenzovať

🇨🇳 补偿 (bǔcháng)

🇸🇮 kompenzirati

🇮🇸 bæta upp

🇰🇿 өтемақы төлеу

🇬🇪 ანაზღაურება

🇦🇿 kompensasiya etmək

🇲🇽 compensar

Etymology

The word 'compensate' has its roots in Latin, derived from the word 'compensare' meaning 'to weigh one thing against another.' The concept of compensation has been prevalent across various cultures and legal systems throughout history. In modern usage, 'compensate' is widely used in financial, legal, and psychological contexts to denote making up for a loss or deficiency.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,676 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.