compensate

To give someone money or another benefit for a loss, harm, or work they have done.

• The company will compensate the injured workers.
• We compensated her for the extra hours she worked.
• Will the insurer compensate you for the damage?

How to use it: compensate someone for something (The airline compensated us for our lost bags.)

Similar words: reimburse, repay

Common phrases: compensate someone, compensate someone for something, fully compensate someone

To reduce the effect of something bad or missing by providing something else that helps.

• The low price compensates for the small room.
• She wore thick socks to compensate for the cold.
• Can extra practice compensate for a late start?

How to use it: compensate for something (Her enthusiasm compensates for her lack of experience.); compensate by doing something (He compensated by working longer hours.)

Similar words: make up for, offset, counterbalance

Common phrases: compensate for something, compensate for losses, compensate by doing something

To pay or reward someone for work or services.

• They compensate their employees well.
• She was compensated for her advice.
• How will you compensate people who work extra hours?

How to use it: compensate someone for something (We compensate staff for time spent travelling.)

Similar words: pay, remunerate, reward

Common phrases: compensate employees, compensate someone fairly, compensate someone for something