What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
requite
Example
I will requite your kindness by helping you with your project. [requite: verb]
Example
She requited his love with equal passion. [requited: past tense]
Example
He vowed to requite his enemy for the harm done to his family. [requite: verb]
recompense
Example
The company offered to recompense the customers for the faulty product. [recompense: verb]
Example
He received a fair recompense for his hard work on the project. [recompense: noun]
Example
The family gave a generous recompense to the kind stranger who helped them in their time of need. [recompense: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recompense is more commonly used than requite in everyday language, especially in modern literature. Recompense is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while requite is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between requite and recompense?
Requite is more formal than recompense and is often used in literary or poetic contexts. Recompense is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.