Reparation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reparation

[ˌrɛpəˈreɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal

Compensation or repayment for a wrong or injury. It may involve monetary payment, physical repairs, or other forms of restitution.

Synonyms

compensation, indemnity, recompense, restitution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reparation	Used in situations where a wrong or harm has been done, especially in the context of international conflicts, wars, or historical injustices. Often associated with formal or legal settings. Germany paid reparations after World War II. The government discussed reparations for the descendants of enslaved people.
compensation	Used in situations where someone receives something, typically money, in return for loss, injury, or suffering. Common in legal, employment, and insurance contexts. She received compensation for the injuries she sustained in the car accident. Employees are looking forward to their annual compensation reviews.
recompense	Used to refer to giving something (usually money) to someone as a reward or payment for loss, suffering, or effort. It has a more formal tone but can be used in various situations. He was offered a small sum as recompense for his work on the project. The church gave recompense to the families affected by the flood.
restitution	Used especially in legal contexts, referring to the act of restoring or giving back something to its rightful owner or compensating for loss or damage. It often involves returning property or money. The court ordered restitution to the victims of the fraud. He made restitution by returning the stolen goods.
indemnity	Used in formal settings to refer to security or protection against financial loss or liability. Often used in insurance and legal agreements. The contractor was required to provide indemnity in case of work-related injuries. The insurance policy includes indemnity for damages caused by natural disasters.

Examples of usage

The reparation for the damages caused by the company was substantial.
The court ordered the reparation of the property to the original owner.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical

The making of amends for a wrong one has done by offering money or other means to those who have been wronged.

Synonyms

amends, atonement, penance, redress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reparation	Similar to the first entry, reparation is repeated possibly due to a mistake, but generally refers to compensating for a wrong or injury, usually in a formal sense. The government issued reparations to the families of the victims.
amends	Used in everyday language to describe actions taken to correct or compensate for a mistake or wrongdoing, typically on a personal level. He made amends by apologizing and offering to help fix the problem. She tried to make amends for her harsh words.
atonement	Often found in religious or moral contexts, atonement refers to making up for a sin or wrong action, seeking forgiveness or reconciliation. He sought atonement through prayer and good deeds. The rituals were a form of atonement for their sins.
redress	A formal term often used in legal or policy contexts, referring to the act of setting wrongs right, typically through compensation or corrective actions. The company provided financial redress to the affected customers. They sought legal redress for the harms they suffered.
penance	This term is usually associated with religious practices, indicating self-punishment or actions taken to show repentance for sins. As penance, she decided to volunteer at the local shelter. He performed acts of penance to seek forgiveness.

Examples of usage

Germany made reparations to the countries affected by World War II.
The reparations paid by the aggressor nation were meant to rebuild the affected regions.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

psychological

The process of making amends for a past wrongdoing, often involving acknowledgment, apology, and attempts to repair the damage caused.

Synonyms

amends, apology, reconciliation, recovery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reparation	Reparation is often used when referring to compensation given for a wrong or damage done, especially in legal or political contexts. The government agreed to make reparations to the victims of the war. Reparations were paid to the community for the environmental damage.
amends	Amends is typically used when someone is trying to repair a personal relationship or make up for a past mistake. It is often less formal than 'reparation' and more focused on moral or emotional aspects. She made amends with her brother after their argument. He tried to make amends by apologizing and fixing the mistake.
reconciliation	Reconciliation is used when people or groups come back together and restore friendly relations, often after a conflict or disagreement. It emphasizes the restoration of harmony. There was a reconciliation between the two friends after years of estrangement. The countries engaged in talks aimed at reconciliation.
apology	Apology is used when someone expresses regret for a mistake or offense. It is generally a verbal or written expression and is often used in personal or informal communications. She sent a heartfelt apology for missing the meeting. He offered an apology for his rude behavior.
recovery	Recovery is used to describe the process of returning to a normal state after a crisis, illness, or difficult situation. It is often used in medical or financial contexts. She made a full recovery after the surgery. The economy showed signs of recovery after the recession.

Examples of usage

Her reparation for her mistakes included seeking therapy and making sincere apologies.
The reparation process helped him heal from the guilt and shame of his actions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term comes from the Latin word 'reparatio', which means to restore or fix.
Reparation has been used throughout history to refer to compensation for harms, especially after wars or injustices.

Legal Context

In international law, reparation can involve returning land, paying money, or providing services to victims.
In 1946, the United Nations set up a framework for reparations for World War II victims, emphasizing justice and healing.

Cultural Perspectives

Many societies view reparations as essential for reconciliation after conflicts, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa.
The discussion around reparations for slavery has gained momentum, involving debates on how to address historical injustices in various countries.

Psychological Aspects

Apologizing and making reparations can significantly improve interpersonal relationships, helping restore trust.
Psychologists suggest that acknowledging past wrongs is crucial for personal growth and societal healing.

Literature

The concept of reparation is often explored in literature as characters seek redemption for their actions.
Books and films that tackle themes of guilt and making amends often highlight the struggle and journey of those seeking to repair relationships.

Origin of 'reparation'

The word 'reparation' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'reparatio', which means restoration or renewal. Over time, it has evolved to encompass the idea of making amends for a wrongdoing or providing compensation for damages. The concept of reparation has been prevalent in legal, historical, and psychological contexts, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and addressing past wrongs. Whether in the form of monetary payments, physical repairs, or psychological healing, reparation plays a significant role in promoting justice and reconciliation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,171, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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12168 buff
12169 overload
12170 lament
12171 reparation
12172 genial
12173 outcrop
12174 deepened
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