To give money to a person for a service or a loss

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 136 views

What does the word "recompense" mean?

The word "recompense" is a verb that refers to the act of giving something, especially money, to someone as a reward or compensation for a service, loss, or injury. It is often used in formal or legal contexts to describe the payment of damages or compensation to someone who has suffered a loss or injury.

Definition and Usage

To give money to a person for a service or a loss: This is the most common usage of the word "recompense." For example, "The company will recompense the employee for the time lost due to the accident."
To collaborate with someone on a project: This is not a correct usage of the word "recompense." While collaboration is an important aspect of many projects, it is not related to the concept of recompense.
To sue a person for injury or harm: This is also not a correct usage of the word "recompense." While suing someone for injury or harm may result in compensation, it is not the same as recompense.

Example Sentences

"The government will recompense the family for the loss of their home due to the natural disaster."
"The company will recompense the employee for the overtime hours worked."
"The court will recompense the plaintiff for the damages suffered due to the defendant's negligence."

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: compensation, damages, payment, reward
Antonyms: penalty, fine, punishment, loss

Etymology

The word "recompense" comes from the Old French word "recompenser," which means "to compensate" or "to repay." It is derived from the Latin words "re" (meaning "again") and "compensare" (meaning "to pay back").

Conclusion

In conclusion, the word "recompense" refers to the act of giving something, especially money, to someone as a reward or compensation for a service, loss, or injury. It is an important concept in many areas, including law, business, and government. Understanding the meaning and usage of the word "recompense" can help individuals communicate more effectively and make informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between recompense and compensation? A: While both words refer to the act of giving something to someone as a reward or compensation, recompense is often used in formal or legal contexts, while compensation is a more general term.
Q: Can recompense be used in informal contexts? A: Yes, recompense can be used in informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in formal or legal contexts.
Q: What are some examples of recompense in everyday life? A: Examples of recompense in everyday life include paying an employee for overtime hours worked, compensating a family for the loss of their home due to a natural disaster, or paying damages to someone who has suffered an injury due to someone else's negligence.

Q: What is the difference between recompense and compensation?

A: While both words refer to the act of giving something to someone as a reward or compensation, recompense is often used in formal or legal contexts, while compensation is a more general term. Compensation can refer to any type of payment or reward, while recompense specifically refers to payment for a loss or injury.

Q: Can recompense be used in informal contexts?

A: Yes, recompense can be used in informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in formal or legal contexts. For example, you might say "I'll recompense you for the trouble you went through" in an informal conversation, but in a formal or legal context, you would be more likely to say "I will compensate you for the damages you suffered."

Q: What are some examples of recompense in everyday life?

A: Examples of recompense in everyday life include:

Paying an employee for overtime hours worked
Compensating a family for the loss of their home due to a natural disaster
Paying damages to someone who has suffered an injury due to someone else's negligence
Giving a reward to someone who has helped you in a time of need

Q: Can recompense be used to describe a non-monetary reward?

A: While recompense is often associated with monetary rewards, it can also be used to describe non-monetary rewards. For example, you might say "I'll recompense you with a favor" or "I'll recompense you with a gift."

Q: Is recompense the same as a refund?

A: No, recompense and refund are not the same thing. A refund is a payment made to someone to return money they have already paid, while recompense is a payment made to someone as a reward or compensation for a loss or injury.

Q: Can recompense be used in a business context?

A: Yes, recompense can be used in a business context to describe payment for a service or product. For example, a company might recompense an employee for their work on a project or recompense a customer for a product that was defective.

Q: Is recompense the same as a settlement?

A: No, recompense and settlement are not the same thing. A settlement is a payment made to someone to resolve a dispute or claim, while recompense is a payment made to someone as a reward or compensation for a loss or injury.

Q: Can recompense be used in a personal context?

A: Yes, recompense can be used in a personal context to describe payment for a service or product. For example, you might recompense a friend for helping you move or recompense a family member for watching your children.

Q: Is recompense the same as a gratuity?

A: No, recompense and gratuity are not the same thing. A gratuity is a payment made to someone as a tip or reward for good service, while recompense is a payment made to someone as a reward or compensation for a loss or injury.

Q: Can recompense be used in a historical context?

A: Yes, recompense can be used in a historical context to describe payment for a service or product. For example, a historical figure might recompense their soldiers for their service in a war or recompense a community for their losses during a time of conflict.

Q: Is recompense the same as a restitution?

A: No, recompense and restitution are not the same thing. Restitution is a payment made to someone to restore them to their original position, while recompense is a payment made to someone as a reward or compensation for a loss or injury.

Q: Can recompense be used in a cultural context?

A: Yes, recompense can be used in a cultural context to describe payment for a service or product. For example, a cultural practice might involve recompensing someone for their help or support.

Q: Is recompense the same as a compensation package?

A: No, recompense and compensation package are not the same thing. A compensation package is a collection of benefits and rewards offered to an employee, while recompense is a payment made to someone as a reward or compensation for a loss or injury.

Q: Can recompense be used in a social context?

A: Yes, recompense can be used in a social context to describe payment for a service or product. For example, a social organization might recompense its members for their contributions to the community.

Q: Is recompense the same as a reimbursement?

A: No, recompense and reimbursement are not the same thing. Reimbursement is a payment made to someone to cover expenses they have incurred, while recompense is a payment made to someone as a reward or compensation for a loss or injury.

Q: Can recompense be used in a philosophical context?

A: Yes, recompense can be used in a philosophical context to describe payment for a service or product. For example, a philosopher might argue that recompense is a fundamental aspect of justice.

Q: Is recompense the same as a reward?

A: No, recompense and reward are not the same thing. A reward is a payment or benefit given to someone for good behavior or achievement, while recompense is a payment made to someone as a reward or compensation for a loss or injury.

Q: Can recompense be used in a scientific context?

A: Yes, recompense can be used in a scientific context to describe payment for a service or product. For example, a scientist might recompense their colleagues for their contributions to a research project.

Q: Is recompense the same as a compensation claim?

A: No, recompense and compensation claim are not the same thing. A compensation claim is a request for payment or compensation for a loss or injury, while recompense is a payment made to someone as a reward or compensation for a loss or injury.

Q: Can recompense be used in a literary context?

A: Yes, recompense can be used in a literary context to describe payment for a service or product. For example, a writer might recompense their editor for their help in publishing their work.

Q: Is recompense the same as a payment?

A: No, recompense and payment are not the same thing. A payment is a transfer of money or goods from one person to another, while recompense is a payment made to someone as a reward or compensation for a loss or injury.