recompensar
verbCEFR B2
What does “recompensar” mean in English?
to reward
to reward (recompensar a alguien por algo — acknowledge merit with something tangible or intangible)
Example sentences
La empresa decidió recompensar el esfuerzo de su equipo con un bono adicional al final del ejercicio.
The company decided to reward its team's effort with an additional bonus at the end of the financial year.
La sociedad debe recompensar de algún modo a quienes dedican su vida al servicio público.
Society must somehow reward those who dedicate their lives to public service.
How to use it
Recompensar means 'to reward'. Structure: recompensar a alguien (por algo) — reward someone (for something). More formal than premiar (award a prize) or compensar (compensate — implies redress). Collocations: recompensar el esfuerzo, recompensar la lealtad, recompensar con + bonus.
Common mistake
Recompensar (reward — acknowledge merit with something tangible or intangible) vs. compensar (compensate — redress a loss or inconvenience) vs. premiar (award/prize — give a specific award). In HR discourse, recompensar and compensar can overlap.