French word

compenser

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃pɑ̃se/

Meaning

  • verbmake up for

Example

Un cadeau peut compenser une erreur.

A gift can make up for a mistake.

Illustration for compenser (make up for)

More examples

Pour compenser un déficit, l'entreprise a augmenté les prix.

To offset a deficit, the company raised prices.

Core concept

A shortfall on one side of a scale is balanced by something placed on the other side.

Common phrases

  • compenser une erreur

    compensate for a mistake

  • compenser un déficit

    offset a deficit

Similar words

rattraper: Making up for lost time, missed opportunities, or delays through additional effort.
réparer: Repairing a damaged or defective thing so it returns to working order.
remplacer: Substituting another person or thing to fill a role or position.
rembourser: Paying back borrowed money or returning money previously paid.

Definition in French

Rendre moins grave un manque, une perte ou un dommage en apportant quelque chose qui rétablit l'équilibre.

Word origin

French compenser comes from Latin compensare, formed with com- 'together' and pensare 'to weigh', and developed from balancing things to making up for a loss.

Usage tips

  • The usual pattern is compenser quelque chose par or avec quelque chose, including a loss compensated with money, time, or effort.

Other meanings

  • compensate forverb
  • offsetverb

Related words

Word lists with this word