The word "compensate" is spelled as /ˈkɒm.pən.seɪt/. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɒ/. The second syllable has the consonant cluster /mp/ which is followed by another vowel sound /ə/ and the final syllable is pronounced with the sound /seɪt/. The spelling of this word reflects its Latin origin, with the prefix "com-" meaning "together" and the root word "pensare" meaning "to weigh". Together, they form a word that means to make up for or balance out something.
Compensate is a verb that refers to the act of providing an equivalent or suitable substitute for something that has been lost, damaged, or lacks fulfillment in order to restore balance or make amends. It involves a process of offsetting or making up for a deficiency or loss in order to attain a desired or deserved outcome.
When used in a material sense, compensation may involve reimbursing or rewarding someone monetarily or with goods or services as compensation for their efforts, skills, or incurred expenses. For instance, an employer may compensate employees with wages or benefits for their work.
In a broader context, compensation can also relate to addressing emotional or psychological aspects. In this sense, compensating involves offering comfort, support, or reparations to alleviate distress or satisfy an emotional need arising from a loss, injury, or suffering. It may include providing counseling, acknowledging grief, or offering a sincere apology.
Compensation also has a legal connotation, where it pertains to the act of making restitution or providing financial reparation for harm caused, negating any disadvantage experienced by the injured party.
Overall, compensate encompasses the idea of balancing or counteracting a negative circumstance, making up for losses, providing substitutes, or offering restitution in various domains, such as material, emotional, or legal, thus aiming to restore equity or satisfaction.
To give equal value to; to recompense; to make amends for.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "compensate" originates from the Latin word "compensare", which means "to weigh against" or "to make up for". It is derived from the prefix "com-" meaning "together" and "pensare" meaning "to weigh". The concept behind the word is that when something is compensated, it is being balanced or counteracted in order to make up for a deficiency or loss.