C1verb 2K

Compensate

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈkɒmpenseɪt/","/ˈkɒmpenseɪts/","/ˈkɒmpenseɪtɪd/","/ˈkɒmpenseɪtɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈkɑːmpenseɪt/","/ˈkɑːmpenseɪts/","/ˈkɑːmpenseɪtɪd/","/ˈkɑːmpenseɪtɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Compensate

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.

Compensate in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Compensate

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.'

Related words

Collocations with Compensate

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

Synonyms for Compensate

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

Opposites of Compensate

• penalize
• punish

Common mistakes with Compensate

• 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').

Frequently asked questions about Compensate

What does Compensate mean?

To make up for something bad or to pay someone for their loss.

What is the definition of Compensate?

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

How do you use Compensate in a sentence?

The company will compensate employees for overtime work.

Can you give another example of Compensate?

He tried to compensate for his lack of experience with hard work.

What are synonyms for Compensate?

Common alternatives include reimburse, repay, offset, make up for, counterbalance.

What is the opposite of Compensate?

Opposite meanings include penalize, punish.

What words go with Compensate?

It commonly pairs with amply, fully, more than, for, with, adequately, fairly, properly, for.

What are common mistakes when using Compensate?

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').

How do you pronounce Compensate?

US: /["/ˈkɑːmpenseɪt/","/ˈkɑːmpenseɪts/","/ˈkɑːmpenseɪtɪd/","/ˈkɑːmpenseɪtɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈkɒmpenseɪt/","/ˈkɒmpenseɪts/","/ˈkɒmpenseɪtɪd/","/ˈkɒmpenseɪtɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Compensate?

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.

What CEFR level is Compensate?

"Compensate" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.