Compensate
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Learn This WordMeaning
To make up for something lost, damaged, or lacking; to pay someone for work or loss.
Memory trick
COM-PENSATE: weigh things together so one side makes up for the other.
Examples
Extra sleep can compensate for a late night, but not forever.
The company compensated customers for the shipping delay.
Strong writing can compensate for a simple design, but both matter.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin compensare "to weigh one thing against another," from com- "together" + pensare "to weigh."
Usage Notes
Used for payment (“compensate employees”) and for balancing a lack (“compensate for a weakness”).
Real-life contexts
Use for trade-offs: "Speed can compensate for polish early on."
Use for fairness: "We should compensate people for the overtime."
Use carefully: "Compensate for" a weakness, don’t hide it forever.
Common Mistakes
Usually “compensate for” a loss or gap. Don’t confuse with “compliment” (praise).
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
verb
Difficulty
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