compensable
UK[kəmˈpɛnsəbl]US[ˈkɑːmpənˌseɪbl]
adj
(of a loss, injury, or effort) giving a right to compensation.
Morpheme Breakdown
com
pens
able
com
together, with, thoroughly
pens
able
capable of, fit for, tending to
Etymology
The word 'compensable' has a clear financial and legal logic rooted in Latin. Its core, 'pens', derives from 'pendere', meaning to weigh or to pay, reflecting the ancient practice of weighing precious metals for payment. The prefix 'com-' intensifies this action, implying a thorough balancing or making good. Finally, the suffix '-able' attaches to form an adjective, indicating something is worthy or capable of being paid for or balanced out. Thus, the literal sense of "capable of being weighed together/paid for" evolved into the modern legal meaning of a loss or injury that entitles one to recompense.
Analysis
Structure: com + pens + able
com: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "together, with, thoroughly".
pens: Latin origin, from the root of 'pendere' (to weigh, to pay).
able: Latin origin, a suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to".
Examples
The court ruled that the damages were compensable under the new statute.
Not all emotional distress is considered a compensable injury in a workplace claim.
The insurance policy clearly lists which types of property loss are compensable.