Which statement best captures the meaning of compensate?

• A. to pay someone for something that has been lost, damaged, or taken away
• B. to pay for someone’s services
• C. to make up for a negative aspect
• D. to negotiate a settlement

Answer: (A)

Compensate means to provide something, usually money, to make up for a loss, damage, or harm. The statement that describes paying someone for something that has been lost, damaged, or taken away captures that idea most directly, because it shows restitution given to restore what was lost. Paying for someone’s services is simply remuneration for work, not compensation for a loss. To make up for a negative aspect is related—it's about offsetting something—but it’s a broader sense that isn’t as specifically about restitution. Negotiating a settlement focuses on terms of an agreement, not the act of providing compensation itself.