What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
compensate
Example
The company will compensate you for your travel expenses. [compensate: verb]
Example
The insurance policy will compensate the homeowner for the damages caused by the flood. [compensate: verb]
indemnify
Example
The contractor agreed to indemnify the client against any legal claims arising from the project. [indemnify: verb]
Example
The insurance policy will indemnify the business owner for any losses due to theft or fire. [indemnify: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compensate is more common in everyday language than indemnify. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while indemnify is more specific and often used in legal or contractual situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between compensate and indemnify?
Indemnify is generally considered more formal than compensate. It is often used in legal or financial contexts and may involve formal agreements or contracts. Compensate, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
