compensate in 30 Seconds
- To provide money or an equivalent for a loss or injury suffered.
- To act in a way that offsets or balances out a negative effect.
- Commonly used in legal, financial, and biological contexts to describe balance.
- Often paired with the preposition 'for' to specify the deficiency being addressed.
The verb compensate is a sophisticated yet essential term used to describe the act of balancing the scales, whether those scales are financial, physical, or psychological. At its core, to compensate means to provide an equivalent to make up for a loss, a deficiency, or an effort expended. It is most commonly heard in legal and professional environments where money is exchanged to rectify a mistake or to pay for labor. However, its utility extends far beyond the boardroom. In biology, we see compensation when one sense becomes heightened because another is diminished. In psychology, individuals might compensate for a perceived weakness in one area of their life by overachieving in another. This word is the linguistic bridge between a deficit and a state of equilibrium.
- Financial Restitution
- The most literal use involves paying someone money for their work or for damages they have suffered. For example, insurance companies exist specifically to compensate policyholders for accidents.
The airline offered travel vouchers to compensate the passengers for the twelve-hour delay.
- Counterbalancing Effects
- This refers to an action that neutralizes a negative influence. If a car's steering pulls to the left, the driver must compensate by steering slightly to the right to maintain a straight path.
His enthusiasm for the project more than compensated for his lack of direct experience in the field.
- Biological Adaptation
- The human body is remarkably adept at compensation. When an organ functions poorly, other systems often work harder to ensure the body remains stable.
Plants often compensate for low light by growing larger leaves to capture more solar energy.
The athlete had to compensate for her injury by changing her running technique.
Using 'compensate' correctly requires understanding its grammatical patterns, specifically the use of the preposition 'for'. When you are talking about making up for a negative thing, you almost always use 'compensate for'. If you are talking about paying a person, you 'compensate someone'. The flexibility of the word allows it to function in formal reports, casual conversations about effort, and scientific descriptions of systems. It is a versatile tool for describing any situation where an imbalance is corrected.
- Transitive Use (Direct Object)
- When the object is the person or entity receiving the payment. Example: 'The company will compensate all employees for their travel expenses.'
Victims of the flood were compensated by the government for their property damage.
- Intransitive Use with 'For'
- When the focus is on the deficiency being balanced. Example: 'Nothing can compensate for the loss of a loved one.'
She tried to compensate for her lateness by bringing coffee for the whole team.
- Passive Voice Usage
- Common in legal contexts: 'The plaintiff was fully compensated.' This emphasizes the person receiving the benefit rather than the one paying.
How can society ever compensate those who have been wrongfully imprisoned?
You will encounter 'compensate' in several distinct spheres of life. In the news, it often appears during reports on lawsuits, environmental disasters, or labor disputes. In the workplace, it is the standard term for discussing pay scales and benefits. In the world of sports and physical therapy, it describes how an athlete's body adapts to an injury. Even in casual settings, people use it to describe social efforts, such as making up for a missed birthday or a bad mood. It is a word that signals a conscious effort to restore fairness or functionality.
The manager agreed to compensate the staff with an extra day off after the busy season.
To compensate for the poor acoustics, the singer used a high-quality microphone.
One of the most frequent errors is omitting the preposition 'for' when it is necessary. For example, saying 'I will compensate my mistake' is incorrect; it must be 'I will compensate for my mistake.' Another common mistake is confusing 'compensate' with 'reimburse.' While they are related, reimbursement specifically refers to paying back money that someone has already spent, whereas compensation is broader, covering pain, suffering, time, and effort. Additionally, learners sometimes use 'compensate' when 'reward' would be more appropriate. Compensation is about balance and restitution, while a reward is about positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Compensate vs. Reimburse
- Use 'reimburse' for exact dollar amounts spent (like a dinner bill). Use 'compensate' for broader value (like time or suffering).
He tried to compensate for his lack of height by jumping higher than the other players.
Depending on the context, you might choose a more specific word than 'compensate'. If you are talking about fixing a wrong, 'atone' or 'rectify' might be better. If you are talking about money for work, 'remunerate' is a very formal alternative. In physics or mechanics, 'offset' or 'counterbalance' are often preferred. Understanding these nuances helps you sound more natural and precise in your communication.
- Compensate vs. Offset
- 'Offset' is often used for numbers and physical forces (e.g., 'The gains offset the losses'). 'Compensate' is more common for human effort and legal restitution.
- Compensate vs. Remunerate
- 'Remunerate' is strictly for payment for services. You wouldn't 'remunerate' for an injury; you would 'compensate' for it.
The new tax breaks were designed to offset the rising cost of living for middle-class families.
How Formal Is It?
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Fun Fact
The root 'pensare' also gives us the word 'pensive' (weighing thoughts) and 'pendulum' (something that hangs and weighs).
Pronunciation Guide
- Stressing the second syllable: com-PEN-sate (Incorrect).
- Pronouncing the 'sate' as 'set' (Incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'concentrate' due to similar rhythm.
- Dropping the 'n' sound in the middle.
- Making the 'e' sound too long: com-peen-sate (Incorrect).
Difficulty Rating
Common in news and academic texts, but clear in context.
Requires correct use of the preposition 'for'.
A bit long to pronounce, but very useful in professional speech.
Easily recognized by its distinct 'com-pen' sound.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive vs. Intransitive
You compensate 'someone' (transitive) but you compensate 'for' something (intransitive).
Passive Voice in Law
Victims 'are compensated' by the state.
Gerunds as Objects
He compensated for 'arriving' late by staying late.
Infinitive of Purpose
They hired more staff 'to compensate' for the workload.
Adverb Placement
The loss was 'adequately' compensated.
Examples by Level
I will give you my apple to compensate for your lost snack.
To make up for something.
Simple present tense.
The shop gave me a free toy to compensate for the broken one.
To give something back.
Past tense.
Does the boss compensate you for extra work?
Pay money for work.
Question form.
I must work hard to compensate for my mistakes.
To fix a mistake.
Modal 'must'.
They compensate the workers with food.
Giving food instead of money.
Subject-verb-object.
Can money compensate for a lost day?
Can money fix a bad day?
Modal 'can'.
We compensate for the rain by staying inside.
Doing something else.
Present tense.
She gave him a hug to compensate for the bad news.
To make someone feel better.
Infinitive of purpose.
The company will compensate all staff for the holiday work.
Pay for extra time.
Future tense with 'will'.
He bought her flowers to compensate for being late.
Making up for lateness.
Past tense.
You should compensate for the noise you made last night.
Apologize or fix a problem.
Modal 'should'.
The hotel compensated us for the small room.
Gave a discount or gift.
Past tense.
They are trying to compensate for the lack of water.
Dealing with a shortage.
Present continuous.
Can you compensate for the lost time tomorrow?
Work more later.
Question with 'can'.
He uses a cane to compensate for his weak leg.
Using a tool to help.
Present tense.
The extra sugar helps to compensate for the sour lemons.
Balancing flavors.
Infinitive.
The airline compensated the passengers for the canceled flight.
Legal/Business restitution.
Transitive use.
Her great sense of humor compensates for her lack of patience.
Personality balance.
Third person singular.
The government promised to compensate the farmers for the crop loss.
Official payment.
Infinitive phrase.
You need to compensate for the energy you use by exercising.
Physical balance.
Prepositional phrase 'for the energy'.
Does the salary compensate for the long commute?
Is the money worth the travel?
Interrogative.
The team worked overtime to compensate for the delay.
Making up for lost time.
Purpose clause.
He was compensated for the injury he sustained at work.
Passive voice for legal payment.
Passive voice.
We must compensate for the environmental damage we cause.
Social responsibility.
Modal of obligation.
The high interest rates are intended to compensate for the risk of the loan.
Financial risk management.
Passive infinitive.
To compensate for the lack of experience, the candidate highlighted her skills.
Job application strategy.
Introductory infinitive phrase.
The brain often compensates for injury by rerouting neural pathways.
Scientific/Biological process.
Gerund 'by rerouting'.
Nothing can truly compensate for the loss of one's reputation.
Abstract loss.
Adverb 'truly' modifying the verb.
The company's success in Asia compensated for its poor performance in Europe.
Business performance balance.
Past tense.
Insurance policies are designed to compensate victims of accidents.
Purpose of insurance.
Passive voice.
He overcompensated for his shyness by becoming very talkative.
Psychological over-adjustment.
Prefix 'over-' added.
The city built a new park to compensate for the loss of green space.
Urban planning.
Infinitive of purpose.
The court ordered the corporation to compensate the community for the pollution.
Legal mandate.
Complex sentence structure.
Compensatory mechanisms in the body maintain homeostasis during stress.
Physiological balance.
Adjective form 'compensatory'.
The artist used vibrant colors to compensate for the simple composition.
Aesthetic choice.
Infinitive phrase.
Economic theory suggests that higher wages compensate for unpleasant working conditions.
Theoretical framework.
Noun clause 'that...'
The pilot had to compensate for the strong crosswinds during the landing.
Technical adjustment.
Modal 'had to'.
Social programs are often seen as a way to compensate for systemic inequality.
Sociopolitical analysis.
Passive construction.
The richness of the prose compensates for the lack of a traditional narrative.
Literary criticism.
Subject-verb agreement.
He attempted to compensate for his perceived failures by achieving extreme wealth.
Psychological motivation.
Past tense with modifiers.
The intricate legal framework aims to compensate for historical injustices.
Deep social restitution.
Complex subject.
The organism's ability to compensate for genetic mutations is a marvel of evolution.
Advanced biology.
Possessive noun phrase.
One might argue that the digital age has failed to compensate for the loss of physical community.
Philosophical critique.
Perfect infinitive.
The central bank's intervention was a desperate attempt to compensate for market volatility.
Macroeconomics.
Predicative nominative.
In his later works, the composer used complex rhythms to compensate for a simpler melodic structure.
Musicological analysis.
Prepositional phrase 'In his later works'.
The treaty was designed to compensate the smaller nations for their loss of sovereignty.
International relations.
Passive voice with indirect object.
He exhibited a compensatory drive for power that masked a deep-seated insecurity.
Psychological depth.
Adjective 'compensatory'.
The sheer scale of the project was intended to compensate for its lack of innovative design.
Architectural critique.
Passive construction.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To make up for a specific negative thing.
She worked harder to compensate for her slow start.
— The sum of all salary and benefits given to an employee.
His total compensation package includes a car and health insurance.
— Money awarded in a court to replace what was lost.
The judge awarded $50,000 in compensatory damages.
— Insurance providing wage replacement to injured workers.
He is currently on workers' compensation after the factory accident.
— To reward or pay someone for the work they put in.
We must compensate their effort with a bonus.
— To do too much to make up for a perceived flaw.
He overcompensates for his height by wearing thick-soled shoes.
— Earning a very high salary.
She is one of the most highly compensated executives in the industry.
— The act of not paying or balancing a loss.
The failure to compensate the victims led to a massive protest.
— To provide extra benefit because of a danger.
Lenders charge higher interest to compensate for the risk.
— Trying to fix a balance.
He spoke louder in an attempt to compensate for the noise.
Often Confused With
Reimburse is only for money spent; compensate is for any loss or effort.
Reward is a positive prize; compensate is to restore a balance after a negative.
Remunerate is very formal and only used for work payment.
Idioms & Expressions
— To do something more quickly or intensely because you started late.
After a week of illness, I need to make up for lost time.
informal— To make sure money spent is not more than money earned.
The company needs to balance the books to compensate for last year's losses.
business— To create a situation where everyone has the same opportunities.
The new law will level the playing field and compensate for past unfairness.
idiomatic— To get revenge or to make things equal after a loss.
He wanted to even the score to compensate for his previous defeat.
informal— To take from one person to pay another, often failing to truly compensate.
Taking money from education to fix roads is just robbing Peter to pay Paul.
idiomatic— To face the consequences of your actions, often needing to compensate later.
After years of overspending, he finally had to pay the piper.
idiomatic— To compromise so that everyone is compensated in some way.
In a marriage, you have to give a little and take a little to stay happy.
informal— To try to do something impossible to compensate for a problem.
Trying to fix the budget without raising taxes is like trying to square the circle.
literary— To correct a mistake or compensate for a wrong.
He promised to set things right after the misunderstanding.
neutral— To reduce the difference between two things.
The scholarship helps to bridge the gap and compensate for the high tuition.
neutralEasily Confused
Similar sound and rhythm.
Concentrate means to focus; compensate means to balance.
I need to concentrate on my work to compensate for my slow start.
Starts with 'com' and ends in 'ate'.
Complicate means to make harder; compensate means to fix a loss.
Don't complicate the plan; just compensate the workers.
Related meaning and similar sound.
Commensurate is an adjective meaning 'equal in size'; compensate is a verb.
The salary should be commensurate with your experience to compensate you fairly.
Similar prefix.
Condense means to make shorter; compensate means to balance.
Condense the report, but don't compensate for the lack of data.
Similar prefix.
Compel means to force; compensate means to pay or balance.
The law may compel the company to compensate the victims.
Sentence Patterns
I will compensate you.
I will compensate you for the broken glass.
To compensate for X, Y did Z.
To compensate for the rain, we moved the party inside.
X is intended to compensate for Y.
The bonus is intended to compensate for the extra hours.
X compensates for Y.
Her talent compensates for her lack of training.
The [noun] was compensated by [noun].
The deficit was compensated by a surplus in exports.
Seeking to compensate for [noun]...
Seeking to compensate for the loss, the firm invested in new tech.
The compensatory nature of [noun]...
The compensatory nature of the law ensures fairness.
Nothing can compensate for the [adjective] [noun].
Nothing can compensate for the profound loss of culture.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in professional, legal, and academic English.
-
I will compensate my error.
→
I will compensate for my error.
You must use 'for' when the object is the thing you are making up for.
-
The boss will compensate for me.
→
The boss will compensate me.
Do not use 'for' when the object is the person receiving the payment.
-
He was remunerated for his injury.
→
He was compensated for his injury.
'Remunerate' is only for work/services, not for injuries.
-
I need to compensate my lost time.
→
I need to compensate for my lost time.
Time is the thing being made up for, so 'for' is required.
-
She overcompensated her shyness.
→
She overcompensated for her shyness.
Even with 'over-', you still need the preposition 'for' before the trait.
Tips
The 'For' Rule
Always use 'compensate for [the problem]'. It is the most common mistake for learners to forget the 'for'.
Use in Business
When discussing your salary in a professional way, use the phrase 'total compensation package' to sound more experienced.
Avoid Repetition
If you have already used 'compensate', try 'offset' or 'make up for' to keep your writing interesting.
First Syllable Stress
Remember the stress is on 'COM'. Say it like 'COM-pen-sate' to be understood clearly.
Overcompensation
Use 'overcompensate' when someone is trying too hard to hide a flaw. It's a very descriptive word for character analysis.
Restitution
In legal essays, use 'compensate' to describe the goal of civil law, which is to return the victim to their original state.
Adaptive Balance
In science writing, 'compensate' is perfect for describing how organisms survive in difficult environments.
Social Harmony
Use it to describe how you fix relationships. 'I'll take you to the movies to compensate for missing your party.'
Risk Management
Use 'compensate for risk' when talking about why some investments pay more than others.
CEFR B2 Level
Mastering this word will help you move from intermediate to advanced English, as it is a key academic term.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'COMPASS' and 'PEN'. You use a compass to find your way and a pen to write a check. You 'COM-PEN-sate' to find the right way to pay back a debt.
Visual Association
Imagine a set of old-fashioned balance scales. One side is heavy with a 'mistake' or 'loss'. You drop a bag of gold labeled 'COMPENSATION' on the other side to make them level.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about a time you had to make up for a mistake, using 'compensate for' in each one.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin word 'compensatus', the past participle of 'compensare'. It is formed from 'com-' (together) and 'pensare' (to weigh).
Original meaning: To weigh one thing against another to achieve balance.
Italic -> Romance -> English (via Middle French).Cultural Context
Be careful when using 'compensate' regarding emotional loss; some may feel money cannot truly compensate for grief.
Commonly used in 'Workers' Comp' (Workers' Compensation) insurance discussions.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Employment
- total compensation
- highly compensated
- compensate for overtime
- compensation package
Legal
- compensatory damages
- seek compensation
- legally compensated
- compensate victims
Science/Biology
- compensatory growth
- compensate for loss of sight
- systemic compensation
- compensatory mechanism
Travel
- compensate for delays
- airline compensation
- travel vouchers
- compensate for cancellations
Social/Personal
- compensate for a mistake
- overcompensate for shyness
- make up for
- compensate for a lack of
Conversation Starters
"How do you think companies should compensate employees for working on weekends?"
"Can money ever truly compensate for the loss of a historic building in a city?"
"Have you ever had to compensate for a mistake by doing something extra for a friend?"
"What is the best way for an airline to compensate passengers for a very long delay?"
"Do you think people often overcompensate for their insecurities in social situations?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to compensate for a weakness in a project. How did you do it?
Write about a situation where you felt you were not adequately compensated for your hard work.
Discuss the idea of 'compensatory justice'. Should people be paid for historical wrongs?
How does your body or mind compensate when you are feeling very tired or stressed?
Reflect on a time someone tried to compensate you for a mistake they made. Was it enough?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it can refer to physical balance, psychological adjustment, or social effort. For example, 'His charm compensates for his laziness.'
'Make up for' is the informal version. 'Compensate' is more formal and used in professional or legal settings.
You use 'for' when you name the loss or deficiency. You don't use it when you name the person being paid. 'I compensated him' vs 'I compensated for the loss.'
No, the noun form is 'compensation'.
It means to do too much to fix a problem, often making things awkward or worse. 'He overcompensated for his mistake by apologizing ten times.'
Yes, it is a CEFR B2 word, meaning it is common in newspapers, business, and academic life.
Yes, it means to pay them for their work or for a loss they suffered.
It often describes how a system adjusts to a change. 'The heart compensates for low oxygen by beating faster.'
Yes, but it is much less common than 'compensate' or 'recompense'.
In law, it is money paid to a plaintiff to replace what they lost, such as medical bills or lost wages.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence using 'compensate for' to describe a mistake.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain how a company might compensate its employees besides giving them money.
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Write a sentence about an athlete compensating for an injury.
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Use the word 'overcompensate' in a sentence about a social situation.
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Write a formal request for compensation after a flight delay.
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How does a brain compensate for the loss of one sense?
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Write a sentence using 'compensate' in a scientific context.
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Compare 'compensate' and 'reimburse' in two sentences.
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Write a sentence about a person's personality using 'compensate for'.
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Describe a legal situation where someone would seek compensation.
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Write a sentence about nature compensating for a change.
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Use the adjective 'compensatory' in a sentence.
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Write a sentence about a student compensating for a low grade.
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Write a sentence about a pilot and wind using 'compensate'.
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How can a friend compensate for a forgotten birthday?
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Write a sentence about 'total compensation' in a job offer.
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Use 'compensate' to describe a physical balance.
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Write a sentence about a government compensating citizens.
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Write a sentence about a musician compensating for a mistake.
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Write a sentence using 'fail to compensate'.
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Pronounce the word 'compensate' three times, focusing on the first syllable.
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Explain a time you had to make up for being late.
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Describe the benefits of a 'compensation package' at a good job.
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Discuss whether money can compensate for emotional pain.
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Give an example of how a person might overcompensate for a flaw.
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How do you think the government should compensate people for environmental damage?
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Tell a story about a time nature compensated for a change.
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Practice saying: 'The airline compensated the passengers for the long delay.'
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Explain the difference between 'compensate' and 'reimburse' to a friend.
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How do you compensate for a lack of sleep on a busy day?
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Discuss the 'compensatory' role of art in society.
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Use 'compensate' in a sentence about a sports team.
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What would you do to compensate a neighbor for a noise complaint?
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Describe how a pilot might compensate for wind.
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Is it fair to compensate people based on their experience level?
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Use the word 'compensate' in a sentence about a broken promise.
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Practice saying: 'Nothing can truly compensate for the loss of reputation.'
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Explain 'workers' compensation' to someone who doesn't know the term.
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How do you compensate for a bad grade in school?
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What is the most important thing to compensate a victim for?
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Listen to the sentence: 'The company will compensate all staff.' Who is getting paid?
Listen: 'He compensated for his lateness with flowers.' What did he bring?
Listen: 'The court awarded full compensation.' Was the payment partial or complete?
Listen: 'She overcompensated by working 80 hours a week.' Did she work a little or a lot?
Listen: 'The pilot's skills compensated for the technical failure.' What failed?
Listen: 'Is the salary commensurate with the risk?' Does this mean the salary should balance the risk?
Listen: 'The insurance doesn't compensate for flood damage.' Is flood damage covered?
Listen: 'They are seeking compensation for the error.' What are they looking for?
Listen: 'He was poorly compensated for his years of loyalty.' Was he paid well?
Listen: 'The extra sugar compensates for the sourness.' What is the sugar doing?
Listen: 'We must compensate for the lost revenue.' What was lost?
Listen: 'The compensatory damages were high.' What kind of damages were they?
Listen: 'He used a cane to compensate for his limp.' What was he compensating for?
Listen: 'The bonus compensated the team's effort.' What was the bonus for?
Listen: 'Nothing can compensate for this.' What is the speaker's tone?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
To compensate is to restore balance. Whether you are paying a worker for their time or using extra effort to overcome a weakness, you are compensating. Example: 'The team worked late to compensate for the delay.'
- To provide money or an equivalent for a loss or injury suffered.
- To act in a way that offsets or balances out a negative effect.
- Commonly used in legal, financial, and biological contexts to describe balance.
- Often paired with the preposition 'for' to specify the deficiency being addressed.
The 'For' Rule
Always use 'compensate for [the problem]'. It is the most common mistake for learners to forget the 'for'.
Use in Business
When discussing your salary in a professional way, use the phrase 'total compensation package' to sound more experienced.
Avoid Repetition
If you have already used 'compensate', try 'offset' or 'make up for' to keep your writing interesting.
First Syllable Stress
Remember the stress is on 'COM'. Say it like 'COM-pen-sate' to be understood clearly.
Example
I worked extra hours on Monday to compensate for leaving early on Friday.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More Work words
abformize
C1To structure or give a specific, standardized form to an object, idea, or process, often based on a pre-existing model or mold. It is frequently used in technical or theoretical contexts to describe the transition from an amorphous state to a defined configuration.
abmissery
C1To formally discharge or release an individual from a specific duty, mission, or administrative post, typically due to a failure to meet requirements or an organizational change. It implies a structured removal from a position of responsibility before the natural conclusion of a term.
abregship
C1To systematically condense, streamline, or narrow the scope of duties and authorities inherent in a formal leadership position or institutional office. This verb is typically used in the context of organizational restructuring to describe the reduction of a role's breadth to increase efficiency.
absigntude
C1To formally and publicly relinquish a position of authority or a professional responsibility, specifically as an act of moral or ethical protest. This verb implies that the departure is accompanied by a documented statement of principles or a refusal to comply with compromised standards.
accomplishment
B2An accomplishment is something that has been achieved successfully, especially through hard work, skill, or perseverance. It refers both to the act of finishing a task and the successful result itself.
achievement
C1A thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill. In an academic or professional context, it refers to the act of reaching a specific level of performance or completing a significant milestone.
adantiary
C1To strategically adjust or modify an existing plan, process, or structure in anticipation of specific future obstacles or changes. This verb describes the proactive act of refining a strategy before a problem actually occurs.
adept
C1Highly skilled or proficient at a task that requires specific knowledge or practice. It describes a person who can perform complex actions with ease and precision.
adflexship
C1To strategically and dynamically adapt one's professional approach or methodology by flexibly integrating new skills or environmental shifts. It describes the active process of mastering situational changes to maintain a competitive or functional advantage.
adhument
C1To provide support, assistance, or reinforcement to a person, organization, or project. It specifically refers to the act of strengthening an existing foundation or effort through additional resources or effort.
