Compensation
/ˌkɒmpɛnˈseɪʃən/
Definitions
Something given to make amends for something else.
/ˌkɒmpɛnˈseɪʃən/
Something given or received as payment or reparation for loss, injury, or service.
He received compensation for his damaged car.
💡 Simply: Compensation is like making things even. If you get hurt at work, you might get compensation – money to make up for your pain and lost time.
👶 For kids: Getting something because something bad happened or to say thank you for doing something.
More Examples
The company offers competitive compensation packages.
How It's Used
"The court awarded substantial compensation for the injuries suffered."
"Employees received compensation increases based on their performance."
From Middle French *compensation, from Latin compensatio, from compensare "to weigh together, recompense," from com- "together" + pensare "to weigh."
Historically, 'compensation' was often used in a more legal or formal sense, referring to monetary awards.
Memory tip
Think 'com' (together) and 'pensate' (to weigh). Compensation weighs together losses and gains.