fix or make right a wrong that was done

redress

verb|/rɪˈdrɛs/

Remedy or correct a wrong or grievance

Examples

In a meeting

We need to redress the pay inequities that were identified in the audit.

Over coffee

The restaurant offered a free meal to redress the terrible service last time.

Why this word

compensation

redress means remedying or correcting an injustice or wrong, while compensation merely refers to payment for loss without the connotation of correcting wrongdoing

remedy

redress specifically addresses correcting an unfair situation or grievance, while remedy is any solution to a problem

reparation

redress encompasses any form of making amends for wrong, while reparation typically refers specifically to payment or material compensation

Usage tip

Use when actively correcting injustices or wrongs, not just acknowledging them

Etymology

Old French — from 'redrecier' (to straighten, restore), from 're-' (again) + 'drecier' (to arrange)

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