remunerate
UK[rɪˈmjuːnəreɪt]US[rɪˈmjuːnəreɪt]
v
To pay someone for work or services.
v
To make a payment that compensates for a service, loss, or expense.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
muner
ate
re
again
muner
gift, service
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
The word "remunerate" originates from the Latin verb remunerari, meaning "to reward, recompense". This verb itself is a compound of the prefix re- (here intensifying the action) and munus, meaning "gift" or "service". The core logic is of giving back or reciprocating with a gift in return for a service rendered. Over time, the sense of a reciprocal gift evolved into the more specific modern meaning of paying money for work or services, formalizing the exchange.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + muner (gift, service) + ate (verb suffix)
- re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
- muner: From Latin munus (plural munera), meaning "gift, service, duty, office".
- ate: A verb-forming suffix of Latin origin.
Examples
The company failed to remunerate its contractors on time.
How will you be remunerated for your consulting work?
The law requires workers to be fairly remunerated for overtime.