remunerate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
remunerate Word Meanings
- to pay someone for work done
- to compensate or reward financially
remunerate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
remunerate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈmjuːnəreɪt/
US
/rɪˈmjunəˌreɪt/
remunerate Word Etymology
Root decomposition: re- (again) + munerare (to reward); Historical origin: Latin 'remunerari' → Old French 'remunerer' → English; Memory image: Imagine a person giving rewards multiple times, like handing out bonus checks after successful projects.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Remunerate means to pay someone for work they have completed, or to compensate financially for services rendered. In business English it is formal and implies an agreed level of payment, sometimes including bonuses or benefits. Learners often confuse remunerate with reward or with compensate, but remuneration stresses the monetary transaction more than praise or non-monetary acknowledgment. It can take a direct object (remunerate workers) or a prepositional phrase (remunerate for services). The noun form remuneration refers to the payment itself. Compared with pay, remunerate tends to sound more formal, especially in British English.
Usage Reminders
- - Remunerate is more formal than pay; reserve it for monetary compensation in professional writing.
- - The noun form is remuneration, referring to the payment itself.
- - Use remunerate with a direct object (remunerate workers) or with for services.
- - Do not use remunerate to mean non‑monetary praise.
- - Compare with pay or compensate: remuneration emphasizes money.
Common Misconceptions
- Remunerate means reward for good performance rather than pay for work.
- It is informal slang and used in casual conversation.
- It can only be used for employees, not contractors.
- Remunerate and remuneration are the same word.
- Remuneration is the verb form.
Thinking Differences
Remunerate is perceived as a formal, business-oriented verb in English, signaling a monetary transaction rather than a gesture of praise; learners often overgeneralize it to casual contexts or confuse it with reward. Some learners also assume remuneration is always linked to employees or to salaries, missing its broader use with contractors or services.
Learning Tips
- Identify contexts: use remuneration in formal writing, pay/compensate in everyday speech.
- Remember remuneration is the noun; remuneration is the payment itself.
- Pair remunerate with for services or with a direct object.
- Avoid using remunerate to mean praise or non-financial rewards.
- Compare with pay and compensate to choose the best option for nuance.
- Practice British English examples to feel the formal tone.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'remunerate'?
A.To pay someone for services or work done
B.To punish someone severely
C.To ignore someone's efforts
D.To teach a skill
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'remunerate' correctly?
A.The company decided to remunerate its employees with a bonus this year.
B.After the concert, the manager forgot to remunerate the performers.
C.She was happy to remunerate her friend with an apology.
D.Many people volunteered, expecting to be remunerated with compliments.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'remunerate'?
A.Critique
B.Debate
C.Compensate
D.Celebrate
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'remunerate'?
A.Support
B.Reward
C.Underpay
D.Encourage
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might receive payment for their work?
A.She worked hard and expected her efforts to go unnoticed.
B.The freelancer was pleased to finally be remunerated for the projects completed last month.
C.The artist was happy to receive recognition after the exhibition.
D.He decided to tackle the task without expecting anything in return.
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