Redress: meaning, definitions and examples

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redress

 

[ rɪˈdrɛs ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

legal term

Compensation or reparation for a wrong or grievance; the setting right of what is wrong.

Synonyms

compensation, remedy, reparation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
redress

Typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate the act of setting right something that is wrong, especially in terms of rectifying a grievance or correcting a situation.

  • The government provided redress to the victims of the fraudulent scheme.
  • She sought redress for the damages caused by the defective product.
compensation

Commonly used in both everyday and legal contexts to mean payment or another form of reimbursement for loss, injury, or suffering. It often implies financial remuneration.

  • The company offered financial compensation for the accident.
  • He received compensation for the hours he worked overtime.
reparation

Often used in historical, political, or legal contexts to indicate making amends for wrongs or injuries, particularly in terms of paying money or providing services to those who have been wronged. Can carry a negative connotation when discussing historical injustices or conflicts.

  • The country paid reparations to its former colonies.
  • They sought reparations for the damages caused by the war.
remedy

Can be used in both medical and legal contexts. In legal situations, it means a way of solving a problem or correcting a legal wrong. In medical contexts, it refers to a means of treating an illness or condition.

  • The court provided a remedy to the breach of contract.
  • Natural remedies for headaches can include herbs and essential oils.

Examples of usage

  • Victims of the scam are seeking redress through legal action.
  • The court ordered the company to provide redress to the affected customers.
Context #2 | Verb

formal

To remedy or set right (an undesirable or unfair situation).

Synonyms

correct, rectify, remedy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
redress

Used when aiming to set right a wrong or an unfair situation, often involving justice or compensation.

  • The government promised to redress the injustices faced by the minority group
  • She sought to redress the balance of power within the company
remedy

Typically used when referring to fixing a problem, especially in health or law contexts. It implies providing a solution or cure.

  • The doctor prescribed medicine to remedy his illness
  • The court ordered the company to remedy the damage caused by pollution
correct

Best used for minor errors or inaccuracies, typically in everyday situations like writing, speaking, or minor mistakes.

  • Please correct the spelling errors in your report
  • He corrected the student’s mathematical mistake
rectify

Often used in a formal or technical context to fix something that is wrong or defective, implying a more significant issue than 'correct'.

  • The engineers worked to rectify the faulty design of the bridge
  • She rectified the financial discrepancies in the company's accounts

Examples of usage

  • The government promised to redress the inequalities in society.
  • She sought to redress the balance of power in the organization.

Translations

Translations of the word "redress" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reparação

🇮🇳 सुधार

🇩🇪 Wiedergutmachung

🇮🇩 perbaikan

🇺🇦 відшкодування

🇵🇱 zadośćuczynienie

🇯🇵 補償 (ほしょう)

🇫🇷 réparation

🇪🇸 reparación

🇹🇷 tazminat

🇰🇷 보상 (보상)

🇸🇦 تعويض

🇨🇿 náprava

🇸🇰 odškodnenie

🇨🇳 赔偿 (péicháng)

🇸🇮 odškodnina

🇮🇸 bætur

🇰🇿 өтемақы

🇬🇪 ანაზღაურება

🇦🇿 təminat

🇲🇽 reparación

Etymology

The word 'redress' originated from the Old French word 'redrecier', meaning 'to set straight, restore'. It entered the English language in the 14th century. Over time, 'redress' has been used in legal contexts to refer to the compensation or remedy for a wrong. The concept of seeking redress for grievances has been fundamental in the development of legal systems and the pursuit of justice.

See also: dress, dressed, dresser, dressing, dressmaker, headdress, underdress, undress, undressed.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,327 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.