Compensate

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒm.pən.seɪt/

Definitions

1. To make up for a loss, deficiency, or unfavorable situation by providing something of equal value or by adjusting accordingly
2. To provide a counterbalance or equivalent in response to a deficit, injury, or disadvantage caused in a particular scenario
3. To adjust or rectify a situation by offering compensation to offset a loss or to make restitution for an unfavorable circumstance

Etymology: The core idea is one of weighing. Latin "compensare" combined "com-" (together) with "pensare," a frequentative of "pendere," meaning "to weigh," so the literal sense was to weigh one thing against another until they balanced. Roman traders and accountants weighed metals and goods on scales, and the image of two loads set against each other on a beam sits right at the heart of the word. English borrowed the verb from the past participle "compensatus," and its early senses stayed close to that scale-pan idea of setting one thing against another so that neither outweighs the other. Over time the sense moved from balancing accounts to making good a loss, so that a payment or favor could counterbalance an injury or hardship. The verb's modern meaning of making up for a deficiency by offering something of equal value, or by adjusting to an unfavorable situation, grew directly out of that balancing sense.

Synonyms: reimburse, repay, offset, counterbalance, make amends

Antonyms: penalize, deprive, forfeit, disadvantage, detract