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 the damages caused by their mistake. [compensate: verb]
Example
The employer offered to compensate the employee for working overtime. [compensate: verb]
Example
I want to compensate for my mistake by making it right. [compensate: verb]
offset
Example
The benefits of the new policy will offset the costs in the long run. [offset: verb]
Example
The company used renewable energy to offset their carbon emissions. [offset: verb]
Example
The athlete used his speed to offset his lack of strength. [offset: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compensate is more commonly used than offset in everyday language, especially in legal and financial contexts. Offset is less common but is gaining popularity in environmental and scientific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between compensate and offset?
Compensate is typically associated with a formal tone, while offset can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
