Redress Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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redress
[rɪˈdrɛs ]
Definitions
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?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
formal
To remedy or set right (an undesirable or unfair situation).
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| redress |
Used when aiming to set right a wrong or an unfair situation, often involving justice or compensation.
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| remedy |
Typically used when referring to fixing a problem, especially in health or law contexts. It implies providing a solution or cure.
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| correct |
Best used for minor errors or inaccuracies, typically in everyday situations like writing, speaking, or minor mistakes.
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| rectify |
Often used in a formal or technical context to fix something that is wrong or defective, implying a more significant issue than 'correct'.
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Examples of usage
- The government promised to redress the inequalities in society.
- She sought to redress the balance of power in the organization.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal terms, redress often refers to compensation or remedy provided to a victim after a grievance.
- Many legal systems have processes for individuals to seek redress for wrongs, allowing them to resolve disputes.
- Redress clauses in international law help hold governments accountable for harm caused to citizens.
Social Justice
- Activists often call for redress to address historical injustices faced by marginalized communities.
- Restorative justice practices focus on redress, emphasizing reconciliation and healing rather than punishment.
- Redress can include formal apologies, reparations, or systemic changes aimed at correcting inequalities.
Literature
- In literature, themes of redress often explore characters seeking balance or justice after facing hardship.
- Classic novels often depict protagonists who experience injustice and must find ways to redress the wrongs they face.
- Shakespeare's works frequently illustrate the need for redress in the context of betrayal and personal conflict.
Psychology
- The process of redress can play a significant role in emotional recovery, helping individuals heal from trauma.
- Research shows that seeking redress for wrongs can lead to increased well-being and satisfaction over time.
- Individuals feel empowered when they actively work on redressing grievances, which can restore their sense of agency.
Origin of 'redress'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'redress' comes from Middle English 'redress', which means to set right or remedy.
- It is derived from the Old French word 'redresser', meaning to straighten or to restore.
- The roots of 'redress' can be traced back to the Latin 'derectus', which translates to straight or right.
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.