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Definition of compensatory

compensatory

/kəmˈpɛn.səˌtɔːr.i/
com · pen · sa · to · ry
Adverb:compensatorily
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compensatory Lexical Profile

compensatory Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Intended to recompense someone who has experienced a loss, suffering, or injury, or to offset a disadvantage or deficiency.

Example

"The court awarded the injured worker compensatory damages to cover her medical expenses and lost wages."

2

Relating to a physiological or psychological mechanism by which an organism counterbalances a defect, impairment, or functional loss.

Example

"When one kidney fails, the remaining kidney often undergoes compensatory growth to handle the increased workload."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for compensatory
Antonyms
View all antonyms for compensatory

Word Nuance & Usage

In legal contexts, 'compensatory' damages are specifically distinguished from 'punitive' damages: the former reimburse a plaintiff for actual losses, whereas the latter are intended to punish the defendant.

• Rhymes for compensatory

• Nearby Words

compendium
compensate
compensation
compensatory
compere
compete
competence

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 17th century, derived from Late Latin 'compensatorius', from Latin 'compensare' ('to weigh one thing against another'), formed from 'com-' ('together') and 'pensare' (frequentative of 'pendere', meaning 'to weigh').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Compensatory. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/compensatory
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