Recompense Meaning and Definition

Recompense

Recompense

Pronunciation

/rɪˈkɒmpɛns/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A thing given or received in return for something, especially as a compensation or reward.

Examples

  • The company offered a recompense to the employee for the wrong doing.
  • The apology and recompense meant a lot to me after the incident.
  • A recompense for the damage caused by the accident was paid out to the victim.
  • He sought recompense for the emotional distress caused by the bullying.
  • A recompense was awarded to the whistleblower for reporting the company’s wrongdoings.

Synonyms

  • Compensation
  • Award
  • Payback

Antonyms

  • Penalty
  • Fine

Etymology

The word “Recompense” comes from the Old French “recompenser”, which is derived from the Latin “recompensare”, meaning “to give back or compensate”.

Additional Information

Recompense can be a form of moral or emotional compensation for a wrong doing or injustice. It can also be a tangible form of compensation, such as financial compensation or a reward. The concept of recompense is often used in legal and ethical contexts to refer to the idea of giving or receiving something in return for a harm or injury.

In some cultures, recompense is seen as a way to restore balance and justice, whereas in others, it may be viewed as a mere formality or a way to avoid further conflict. Regardless of the cultural context, the concept of recompense remains an important aspect of human relationships and interactions.

Usage Notes

Recompense is often used in formal or professional contexts, such as in legal, business, or academic settings. It can also be used in more casual contexts, such as in conversations with friends or family members.

Cultural References

Recompense has been featured in various movies, novels, and TV shows, such as “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Wire”, where it is used to describe the idea of justice being served or a form of compensation being given or received.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Recompense is often used in idiomatic expressions or phrases, such as “rendering recompense” or “seeking recompense”, which convey the idea of giving or receiving something in return for something else.

Related Words or Phrases

Compensation, Award, Payback, Penalty, Fine, Retribution

Collocations

  • seek recompense for
  • offer recompense to
  • give recompense for
  • receive recompense for

Frequency of Use

Recompense is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is still used in various contexts, including formal and professional settings.

Common Misspellings

Recumpense, Recompinsed, Recompensed, Recompensated

Related Words