Reparation Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/rɪˈpɛrəʳ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A restoration or compensation for loss, injury, or damage, often in the form of financial compensation, moral support, or material restoration.

Examples

• The company provided reparations to the affected community for the environmental damage caused by the factory disaster.
• The government has made efforts to provide reparations to the victims of the civil war.

Synonyms

• Amends
• Compensation
• Restitution

Antonyms

• Punishment
• Penalty
• Abuse

Additional Information

Reparation can take many forms, depending on the context and the harm caused. It is often used to right historical wrongs or to compensate for past injustices. In some cases, reparation can be a way to promote healing and reconciliation.

In law, reparation refers to the act of compensating for a wrong or injury. This can include financial compensation, restitution, or other forms of redress.

In a broader sense, reparation can also refer to the act of making amends or apologizing for past wrongdoing. This can be an important step in healing and moving forward.

Etymology

The word “reparation” comes from the Latin “reparare,” meaning “to repair” or “to make whole.” It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to the act of restoring something to its original condition.

Usage Notes

Cultural References

The concept of reparation has been explored in many works of literature, art, and film. For example, in Toni Morrison’s novel “Beloved,” reparation is a central theme as the characters struggle to come to terms with the legacy of slavery and its ongoing impact on their lives.

In the film “Schindler’s List,” reparation is shown as a symbol of hope and redemption as the survivors of the Holocaust seek to rebuild their lives and communities.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Making amends”
• “Seeking reparations”
• “Doing penance”

Related Words or Phrases

• Compensation
• Restitution
• Apology
• Amends

Collocations

• “Reparation for past wrongs”
• “Seeking reparation for harm caused”
• “Providing reparation for victims”

Frequency of Use

The term “reparation” is not as commonly used in everyday language as some other words, but it is still an important concept in many fields, including law, psychology, and sociology.

Common Misspellings

• Reperations
• Reperatation
• Reperatory