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Dictionary definition of compensate

To make up for or to provide a substitute for something that is missing, lacking or insufficient.
"The company will compensate its employees for their overtime work."

Detailed meaning of compensate

It is often used to describe actions taken to balance out a negative or unfavorable situation. For example, an employee who works overtime may receive extra pay to compensate for the additional time and effort, or a person who has lost a limb may receive a prosthetic device to compensate for the loss of function. Compensation can also refer to an effort to restore balance or justice, such as when someone is compensated for damages they have suffered. Additionally, compensation can refer to the act of counterbalancing or offsetting, such as when one investment is used to compensate for losses in another. Overall, the verb 'compensate' is used to describe actions taken to remedy or make up for something that is lacking, insufficient, or unfair.

Example sentences of compensate

1. The bonus will compensate for your extra effort this quarter.
2. We need to compensate for the delay by working overtime.
3. Can we compensate for the lost time in our project schedule?
4. Offering a higher salary may compensate for the longer commute.
5. A great vacation can compensate for months of hard work.
6. Extra training will help compensate for their lack of experience.

History and etymology of compensate

The verb 'compensate' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'compensare,' which is formed by combining 'com,' meaning 'with' or 'together,' and 'pensare,' meaning 'to weigh' or 'to pay.' In Latin, 'compensare' originally meant 'to weigh together' or 'to balance,' emphasizing the idea of comparing and equalizing. As the term transitioned into Middle English, it took on the meaning of making up for or providing a substitute for something that is missing, lacking, or insufficient. To 'compensate' is to restore balance or equilibrium, often by giving something in return or by making amends for a loss or deficiency. The etymology of 'compensate' underscores the concept of equalizing or restoring a proper measure, highlighting the act of providing reparation or substitution when something is inadequate or deficient.

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Further usage examples of compensate

1. Innovations in technology can compensate for resource shortages.
2. A heartfelt apology can often compensate for a mistake.
3. Good nutrition can compensate for a lack of sleep.
4. We should compensate for the error with a discount.
5. Investing wisely now can compensate for future financial needs.
6. We need to compensate for the delays in the project schedule.
7. The insurance company will compensate the policyholder for the damages.
8. The government is working to compensate the victims of the natural disaster.
9. The landlord promised to compensate us for the repairs we made.
10. The airline will compensate passengers for the canceled flights.
11. The athlete trained hard to compensate for her previous poor performance.
12. The restaurant offered a free dessert to compensate for the long wait.
13. The company will compensate customers for any faulty products.
14. He tried to compensate for his lack of experience by working extra hours.
15. The teacher gave extra credit to compensate for the difficult exam.
16. The defendant was ordered to compensate the plaintiff for the damages caused.
17. The company introduced a bonus program to compensate high-performing employees.
18. The company will compensate for any losses incurred during the transition period.
19. The government set up a fund to compensate victims of a recent accident.
20. The team captain tried to compensate for the injured player's absence.
21. The artist will compensate buyers if the artwork is damaged during shipping.
22. The store offered a refund to compensate for the faulty product.
23. The organization provides financial aid to compensate for educational expenses.
24. The company implemented a flexible work schedule to compensate for the long commute.

Synonyms

refund

repay

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