Compensation: meaning, definitions and examples

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compensation

 

[ ˌkɒmpənˈseɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

at work

Compensation refers to the payment or benefit received by an employee in exchange for their work. It can include salary, bonuses, benefits, and other forms of payment.

Synonyms

payment, remuneration, reward

Examples of usage

  • Employees receive compensation for their work in the form of a monthly salary.
  • Compensation packages often include health insurance and retirement benefits.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

Compensation can also refer to the money or other benefits awarded to someone as a form of reparation for loss, injury, or suffering.

Synonyms

indemnity, redress, reparation

Examples of usage

  • The court ordered the company to pay compensation to the victim of the accident.
  • He received financial compensation for the damages caused by the faulty product.
Context #3 | Noun

psychological

In psychology, compensation can mean a defense mechanism where an individual tries to make up for a perceived weakness by emphasizing a different trait.

Synonyms

balance, counterbalance, offset

Examples of usage

  • She compensated for her lack of confidence by being overly assertive in meetings.
  • Compensation in this context can lead to a healthier balance of personality traits.

Translations

Translations of the word "compensation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 compensação

🇮🇳 मुआवज़ा

🇩🇪 Entschädigung

🇮🇩 kompensasi

🇺🇦 компенсація

🇵🇱 odszkodowanie

🇯🇵 補償 (ほしょう)

🇫🇷 compensation

🇪🇸 compensación

🇹🇷 tazminat

🇰🇷 보상 (보상)

🇸🇦 تعويض

🇨🇿 kompenzace

🇸🇰 kompenzácia

🇨🇳 补偿 (补偿)

🇸🇮 kompenzacija

🇮🇸 bætur

🇰🇿 өтемақы

🇬🇪 ანაზღაურება

🇦🇿 təzminat

🇲🇽 compensación

Etymology

The word 'compensation' originated from the Latin word 'compensatio', which means 'a weighing together' or 'a balancing'. It has been used in the English language since the mid-14th century. The concept of compensation has evolved over time to encompass various forms of payment and reparation, reflecting changes in labor practices, legal systems, and psychological theories.

See also: compensable, compensating, uncompensated.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,351, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.