Reparation

Noun

Definition: The action of making amends for a wrong one has done, by providing payment or other assistance to those who have been wronged.

Synonyms: Compensation, Restitution, Redress, Indemnity

Antonyms: Injustice, Harm, Injury

Examples:

The company offered financial reparations to the victims of the oil spill.
The government provided reparations to the families affected by the war.

Mnemonics:

"Reparation" starts with "re-" which signifies doing something again or rectifying.
Think of "reparation" as a way to repair or make up for a wrongdoing.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Old French, from late Latin 'reparatio' (from 'reparare', meaning 'make ready again'), from Latin 're-' (expressing intensive force) + 'parare' (prepare).

Historical Usage:

The term "reparation" has been used since the late Middle Ages to refer to the act of compensation or making amends for a wrong committed.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Make reparations"

Explanation:

This phrase implies taking action to provide compensation or assistance to those who have been wronged.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "reparation" with "reparation of goods."

Explanation:

While "reparation" can refer to the act of repairing or restoring goods, it primarily refers to compensating or making amends for a wrongdoing.