compensate

What does “compensate” mean?

verb.to give someone something, typically money, in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury.

SAT Usage

This term often appears in contexts related to economics, legal matters, or personal relationships, highlighting the idea of redress or making amends for a negative experience. It emphasizes the act of balancing a loss with a form of restitution, distinguishing it from similar terms like "reimburse," which specifically refers to repaying money without the broader implications of emotional or physical harm.

Common Confusions

Compensate implies providing restitution for a loss or injury, while reimburse usually suggests simply repaying an amount of money without addressing the broader context of emotional or physical harm.

Example Sentences

• The company offered to compensate workers for the lost wages.

• It is hard work, but they will compensate you well for it.

• His loud voice cannot compensate for a lack of personality.

• To compensate for the lost time, the team worked late into the night, determined to meet the project deadline despite the unexpected setback.

Word Parts: How to Remember “compensate”

Break “compensate” into its parts: co- (together, with). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: co- together, with (Latin)