compensate
To make up for something unwelcome by providing a counterbalancing benefit; to pay someone for work.
Examples
In a meeting
“We'll compensate for the delay by adding extra resources to the project.”
Over coffee
“The amazing dessert compensated for the slow service.”
Why this word
pay
Compensate implies making up for loss or effort with appropriate recompense, while pay simply means give money owed
offset
Compensate emphasizes providing equivalent value for something lost or done, while offset means counterbalance
repay
Compensate suggests making amends proportional to harm or effort, while repay focuses on returning what was given
Usage tip
Two main uses: 'make up for a shortcoming' and 'pay for services'. Both imply providing something of equal value in return.
Etymology
Latin compensare — com (together) + pensare (to weigh), literally 'to weigh together, balance'
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Related words
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
alleviate
To make suffering, a problem, or a burden less severe.
remedy
To fix or correct something that is wrong; a solution to a problem.
temper
To moderate or soften something, making it less extreme
offset
Counterbalance or compensate for something with an opposing action
resolve
To settle or find a solution to a problem or dispute.