compensate
UK: /ˈkɒmpənseɪt/ | US: /ˈkɑːmpənseɪt/
vt. to make up for something lost, damaged, or missing by providing an equivalent
vt. to pay someone for work or services
vi. to act as a counterbalance or offset
compensate = com<together> + pens<weigh> + ate<verb suffix>
- com: Latin prefix meaning "together" or "with."
- pens: Derived from Latin pendere (to weigh or pay), reflecting the idea of balancing or measuring value.
- ate: A verb-forming suffix indicating action.
Etymology Origin:
The word "compensate" originates from Latin compensare, meaning "to weigh together" or "balance." The core concept revolves around equilibrium—whether financially (paying wages) or metaphorically (offsetting a loss). The pens root ties to scales (weighing) and money (payment), reflecting its dual historical use in trade and justice.
The company will compensate employees for overtime work.
Her enthusiasm compensates for her lack of experience.
The insurance policy compensates victims of natural disasters.
He tried to compensate by working twice as hard.
The new features compensate for the product’s higher price.