recompense

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "recompense" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means the act of rewarding or punishing someone according to their behavior or actions. For example, you might say, "The thief was given a lengthy jail sentence as recompense for his crimes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a statement, Khodorkovsky said it was "fantastic" that the shareholders were being given a chance to recover their losses, but added that it was sad that "the recompense will have to come from the state's coffers, not from the pockets of mafiosi linked to the powers that be and those of Putin's oligarchs".

The Guardian - Business

They will pay fines and recompense of $242m.

The Economist

Marubeni said this constituted "personal acts" by its former employees, and it was under no obligation to recompense Lehman.Just the tonicPernod Ricard won the auction to buy Sweden's Vin & Sprit, which makes Absolut vodka, with a bid of euro5.6 billion ($8.9 billion).

The Economist

But the idea of asking nothing for it was Mr Bennett's alone".I felt in a way it's a recompense for the education I was given," the writer told The Economist.

The Economist

Last week's WTO decision to allow the European Union to impose up to $4 billion of tariffs against America as recompense for a foreign-sales tax break which the WTO has deemed an illegal subsidy is a reminder that most of the biggest WTO decisions have nothing to do with poor countries.

The Economist

A preparatory-committee meeting of diplomats early in August reportedly laid the groundwork for a deal involving pledges of developmental assistance for Africa as a recompense for past wrongs.The case against casteIsrael and the US, however, have not been the only countries feeling singled out.

The Economist

Then tort reformers seek to make them victims once more by denying them a basic constitutional right: that a jury decides what recompense for their injury is appropriate.Jane MarshallClarksville, Tennessee.

The Economist

But the lack of a sharp upturn means such partial recompense has not been forthcoming this time round.

The Economist

It is clear from this that Mr Pinault believed that the agreed deal for him to buy Aurora was in jeopardy and that he had a right to financial recompense.

The Economist

It seems scant recompense for the 30,000-70,000 Kashmiris who have died in the insurgency.

The Economist

What general conclusions can be drawn from different countries' experiences?Some argue that digging over the unsavoury details of the past can only inflame passions and raise hopes of recompense and justice that can never be satisfied.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recompense", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being repaid or compensated for to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "recompense" to describe acts of revenge. "Recompense" implies a fair repayment or compensation, while revenge suggests a more malicious or disproportionate response.

Linguistic Context

The word "recompense" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to something given as compensation or amends. As a verb, it means to reward or compensate someone. According to Ludwig, this term is frequently found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recompense" functions as both a noun and a verb signifying compensation or amends. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and actively used in written English. It sees the most frequent use in news, encyclopedias and scientific writing. When using "recompense", ensure clarity regarding what is being compensated. Alternatives such as "compensation", "restitution", and "amends" offer similar meanings with subtle nuances. It's important not to confuse "recompense", which indicates fair compensation, with revenge. With its frequent usage in reliable sources and clear grammatical function, "recompense" remains a valuable term for expressing the concept of making amends or providing compensation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compensation

Focuses on the act of providing something, typically money, to make amends for loss or harm.

restitution

Highlights restoring something lost or stolen to its rightful owner.

amends

Emphasizes the act of repairing a relationship or situation after wrongdoing.

reparation

Suggests repairing or making good damage or loss, often in a formal or legal context.

indemnification

Implies protection against loss or damage, often through a contractual agreement.

requital

Focuses on returning a favor or injury, often implying a sense of justice or revenge.

remuneration

Specifically refers to payment for services rendered or work done.

reimbursement

Highlights repayment of expenses incurred.

atonement

Suggests making amends for sin or wrongdoing, often in a religious context.

satisfaction

Emphasizes fulfilling a debt or obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "recompense" in a sentence?

You can use "recompense" to indicate compensation or amends, such as, "The company offered a substantial amount as "recompense" for the damages caused."

What is a good synonym for "recompense"?

A good synonym for "recompense" is "compensation", which also means providing something, typically money, as a way to make amends for loss or harm.

What's the difference between "recompense" and "restitution"?

"Recompense" is a broader term for making amends or providing compensation, while "restitution" specifically refers to restoring something lost or stolen to its rightful owner.

Is "recompense" formal or informal?

"Recompense" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for legal, business, or academic contexts. In more casual settings, simpler words like "compensation" or "payment" might be preferred.