C1verb2K

Compensate

UK /["/ˈkɒmpenseɪt/","/ˈkɒmpenseɪts/","/ˈkɒmpenseɪtɪd/","/ˈkɒmpenseɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːmpenseɪt/","/ˈkɑːmpenseɪts/","/ˈkɑːmpenseɪtɪd/","/ˈkɑːmpenseɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to provide something good to balance or reduce the bad effects of damage, loss, etc.

In simple words: To make up for something bad or to pay someone for their loss.

Examples

  • The company will compensate employees for overtime work.
  • He tried to compensate for his lack of experience with hard work.
  • She received a payment to compensate for the damages caused.
  • The athlete needed to compensate for his injury by training differently.
  • To compensate for the poor service, the restaurant gave us a free dessert.

Usage notes

Used in contexts where someone is repaid or rewarded for a loss, injury, or trouble. Often used in formal settings like business or legal contexts, but can also be used in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

compensate + object

Memory hint

Think 'compensate' like 'compensating for someone’s pain with a present.'

Collocations

  • amply
  • fully
  • more than
  • for
  • with
  • adequately
  • fairly
  • properly
  • for

Synonyms

  • reimburse
  • repay
  • offset
  • make up for
  • counterbalance

Antonyms

  • penalize
  • punish

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'compensate' with 'compensatory' (which is an adjective).
  • Using 'compensate for' and 'compensate with' interchangeably.
  • Not using the object directly after 'compensate' (e.g., saying 'I will compensate' instead of 'I will compensate you').