noun

reparations

rep-uh-RAY-shuhnz

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Reparations (noun) means Payments or other compensation made to a group of people, usually by a state or institution, for a historical injustice done to them or their ancestors, such as slavery, colonial rule or genocide. Example: “Campaigners are demanding reparations for the descendants of enslaved people.”

noun

Payments or other compensation made to a group of people, usually by a state or institution, for a historical injustice done to them or their ancestors, such as slavery, colonial rule or genocide.

"Campaigners are demanding reparations for the descendants of enslaved people."

"The university set up a scholarship fund as a form of reparations."

Money and goods a defeated country is required to pay to the victors after a war to cover the damage it caused.

"The Treaty of Versailles imposed crushing reparations on Germany."

usually singular: reparation The act of making amends for a wrong you have done.

"He offered to work weekends as reparation for the damage."

How to use reparations

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPayments made to make up for a serious wrong done to a group of people.

When to use it

Formal; frequent in political, legal and historical writing.

Memory tip

The plural reparations means compensation to a group; the singular reparation usually means making amends generally.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

restitution → reparation → preparation →

Common pairings

pay reparations demand reparations war reparations reparations for slavery

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Campaigners are demanding _____ for the descendants of enslaved people.

Etymology

From Latin reparare "to restore, repair", from re- "again" and parare "to make ready".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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compensation redress restitution atonement indemnity war damages amends recompense

Related words

right taking return damage insurance correct payment penalty

Rhymes for reparations

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between reparations and restitution?

Restitution means returning the actual thing that was taken, such as stolen land, art or property. Reparations are broader compensation for harm that cannot simply be handed back, such as payments, programmes or services for a wronged group.

Are reparations always money?

No. Reparations can take the form of formal apologies, land transfers, scholarships, healthcare, memorials or debt cancellation. Cash payments are the most discussed form but not the only one.

What is the meaning of reparations?

"reparations" (noun) means payments or other compensation made to a group of people, usually by a state or institution, for a historical injustice done to them or their ancestors, such as slavery, colonial rule or genocide.

What is another word for reparations?

Other words for "reparations" include compensation, redress, restitution, atonement, indemnity, war damages.

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