redress
Definitions
Compensation or correction for a wrong or injustice that has been done.
补救，赔偿；对不公的纠正。
To set right or make up for something wrong or unfair.
纠正，补救（不公或错误）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (again) + dress (to set straight, from Old French dresser) = to set a wrong situation straight again. Surprisingly, dress here is a worn-down descendant of the same Latin dīrectus behind direct: Vulgar Latin *directiāre → Old French dresser. So seeking redress means asking for a crooked, unjust thing to be straightened out once more.
Root direct still carries 5 more wordsWhy It Means This
redress hides its family ties. Through Old French dresser ("to arrange, set straight") it goes back to the same dīrectus that gives us direct — and to the everyday word dress, which is also about arranging things into proper order. So both "dressing" a wound and seeking "redress" for an injustice share one image: putting something back into straight, correct shape. The legal flavor is strong: you usually seek redress for a grievance, often through formal channels.
Usage Guide
Mostly formal and legal/political. As a noun it pairs with seek / obtain / provide redress and legal redress; as a verb, redress an imbalance / a grievance / a wrong. Note the stress shifts slightly between noun and verb but both are accepted; the word is rarely casual — you wouldn't "redress" a minor inconvenience.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Victims of the scandal are seeking redress through the courts.
- 2.
The new policy aims to redress the imbalance between rich and poor regions.
- 3.
Employees who feel wronged have the right to seek redress.