compensatory
UK: /kəmˈpɛnsət(ə)ri/ | US: /kəmˈpɛnsəˌtɔːri/
adj. serving to compensate or make up for a loss, disadvantage, or injury
adj. relating to payment or reward given as compensation
compensatory = compensat<to weigh/balance> + ory<adjective suffix>
- compensat: Derived from Latin compensare ("to weigh together, balance"), from com- (together) + pensare (to weigh). In modern usage, it retains the sense of balancing or offsetting something.
- ory: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating "relating to" or "serving for," from Latin -orius.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin compensare, where merchants would literally "weigh together" goods to balance a trade. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to mean balancing losses with gains, eventually entering English in the 17th century with legal and financial connotations. The suffix -ory solidifies its role as an adjective describing actions or systems designed to offset imbalances.
The company offered compensatory payments to employees affected by the layoffs.
His compensatory skills in negotiation helped mitigate the project’s risks.
The insurance policy includes compensatory coverage for accidental damages.
She developed compensatory strategies to overcome her learning disability.
The court awarded compensatory damages to the victim for emotional distress.