reparations
reparations
Pronunciation
IPA: /ˌrɛpəˈreɪʃənz/
Syllable Breakdown:
re: /rɛ/
/r/ - alveolar trill
/ɛ/ - close-mid front unrounded vowel
pa: /pə/
/p/ - voiceless bilabial stop
/ə/ - schwa
ra: /rə/
/r/ - alveolar trill
/ə/ - schwa
ti: /tɪ/
/t/ - voiceless alveolar stop
/ɪ/ - near-close front unrounded vowel
ons: /ənz/
/ə/ - schwa
/n/ - alveolar nasal
/z/ - voiced alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
Singular: reparations
Plural: reparations (no change in form for plural)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Definition: Compensation or payment made to rectify a wrong or injury.
Synonyms: indemnity, restitution, redress, amends
Antonyms: harm, damage, injury
Verb
Definition: To make amends or restitution for a wrong or injury.
Synonyms: compensate, indemnify, reimburse, repay
Antonyms: harm, damage, injure
Adjective
Definition: Relating to or concerned with the making of amends or restitution for a wrong or injury.
Synonyms: compensatory, restorative, remedial
Antonyms: harmful, damaging, injurious
Examples of Use
Books
Historical Fiction: "The novel delves into the complexities of reparations for the descendants of enslaved people, exploring themes of justice, forgiveness, and generational trauma." (Example: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead)
Nonfiction: "The author argues for the necessity of reparations as a means to address the systemic racism that has persisted in American society." (Example: The Case for Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates)
Newspapers
News Article: "The recent protests have renewed calls for reparations to be paid to Black Americans for the historical injustices of slavery and segregation." (Example: The New York Times)
Opinion Piece: "While some argue that reparations are impractical or divisive, others maintain that they are essential for achieving true racial justice." (Example: The Washington Post)
Online Publications
Blog Post: "The author discusses the different forms that reparations could take, including direct payments, investments in Black communities, and the establishment of historical and cultural institutions." (Example: Vox)
Podcast Episode: "The hosts explore the concept of reparations from a global perspective, examining examples from other countries that have implemented similar programs." (Example: Pod Save the World)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Film: Birth of a Nation (1915) is a controversial film that depicts the Ku Klux Klan as heroic figures, sparking outrage and calls for reparations for African Americans.
Television Series: The Good Place (2016-2020) features a character who is tasked with making amends for her past misdeeds, exploring themes of reparations and redemption.
General Public Discourse
Social Media: "Reparations are essential for addressing the ongoing legacy of systemic racism. #BlackLivesMatter #ReparationsNow" (Example: Twitter)
Political Speeches: "We must acknowledge the injustices of the past and take concrete steps to make reparations for the harms that have been inflicted on Black Americans." (Example: A political candidate's campaign speech)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Reparations
"Reparations is not just about the past, it’s also about the future — our children’s future." — Ta-Nehisi Coates (from his testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives, June 2019).
"Reparations are not a favor, they are a debt owed." — Unknown
"Reparations are the price we must pay to see ourselves squarely." — David Brooks (New York Times, 2019).
"The case for reparations is not just about past harms, but about creating a more just and equitable society today." — William Darity Jr. and A. Kirsten Mullen (from the book From Here to Equality).
"Reparations are not a symbolic act; they are a matter of justice." — Unknown
"Reparations would mean a societal reckoning, an acceptance of a shared history, and a commitment to a more equitable future." — Nikole Hannah-Jones (The New York Times, 2019).
"Reparations are not about punishment; they are about healing and transformation." — Ibram X. Kendi (from How to Be an Antiracist)
"True reparations are more than payments; they are about acknowledging the full humanity of those harmed." — Ta-Nehisi Coates (from The Case for Reparations, The Atlantic, 2014).
"Reparations mean reckoning with the legacy of slavery and racial injustice that still shapes our present." — Bryan Stevenson (Equal Justice Initiative, 2020).
"The call for reparations is a call for America to understand itself." — Unknown
These quotes explore different dimensions of the reparations debate, from historical justice to societal healing and future equity.
Etymology
The word "reparation" comes from the Latin word "reparare," which means "to repair" or "to make good." This Latin word is made up of two parts: "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and "parare" meaning "to prepare."
So, "reparation" originally meant something like "to prepare something again" or "to put something back into good condition." Over time, the meaning of the word shifted to focus on making amends for a wrong or injury.
The first known use of "reparation" in English dates back to the late 14th century. It was used to describe the act of repairing or restoring something to its original state, but it was also used to refer to the idea of making amends for a wrongdoing.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Reparations
While there aren't many common phrases or idioms that directly use the word "reparations," here are some related expressions and ideas:
Related Phrases:
Pay the piper: This idiom means to suffer the consequences of one's actions, similar to making reparations for a wrong.
Make amends: This phrase directly relates to reparations, as it means to make up for a mistake or wrong.
Square the debt: This expression suggests settling a debt or obligation, often implying a moral or ethical debt.
Original Phrases and Idioms with Synonyms:
Righting the wrongs: This phrase suggests correcting past injustices, similar to making reparations.
Rectifying the past: This expression implies making amends for historical wrongs.
Atoning for sins: This religious phrase suggests making amends for moral or ethical transgressions.
Why are there fewer common phrases with "reparations"?
The term "reparations" is often used in a specific historical and political context, particularly in relation to the legacy of slavery and colonialism. This focused usage may limit its appearance in everyday idioms and phrases.
Posts Related to Reparations
Source Information
Definition of reparations from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
