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Compensatory: meaning, definitions and examples

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compensatory

 

[ kəmˈpɛn.sə.tɔːr.i ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

financial, legal

Compensatory refers to something designed to compensate for a loss, damage, or injury. It is often used in contexts such as financial settlements, where one party provides monetary or material compensation to another. In legal terms, compensatory damages are awarded to a plaintiff to compensate for actual losses suffered due to another's negligence or wrongful act. This term can also be applicable in various fields where reparation or offset is needed to balance out detriments.

Synonyms

offsetting, reparative, restorative

Examples of usage

  • The court awarded compensatory damages to the victim.
  • She received compensatory benefits for her injury.
  • The company has a compensatory strategy to address employee grievances.

Etymology

The term 'compensatory' originates from the Late Latin verb 'compensare,' which means 'to weigh together, to balance.' This Latin word is a combination of 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'pensare,' which means 'to weigh.' The term was first used in English in the early 15th century, primarily in the context of law and finance. It has since evolved to describe various forms of reparation or restitution not only in financial contexts but also in psychological and social aspects, where compensatory mechanisms help individuals or groups cope with loss or deprivation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,550, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.