from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Compensate \Com"pen*sate\ (? or ?; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Compensated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Compensating}.] [L.
compensatus, p. p. of compensare, prop., to weigh several
things with one another, to balance with one another, verb
intens. fr. compendere. See {Compendium}.]
1. To make equal return to; to remunerate; to recompense; to
give an equivalent to; to requite suitably; as, to
compensate a laborer for his work, or a merchant for his
losses.
[1913 Webster]
2. To be equivalent in value or effect to; to counterbalance;
to make up for; to make amends for.
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The length of the night and the dews thereof do
compensate the heat of the day. --Bacon.
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The pleasures of life do not compensate the
miseries. --Prior.
Syn: To recompense; remunerate; indemnify; reward; requite;
counterbalance.
[1913 Webster]