Definition
To redress means to correct or make right something that is unfair or unjust. It can also refer to seeking compensation or restitution for a wrong that has been done.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
Rectify, remedy, fix, repair, amend, correct, make right
Antonyms
Harm, damage, worsen, aggravate
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | redress, redresses |
| Verb | redress, redresses, redressed, redressing |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The company promised to redress the pay gap between male and female employees.
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The government announced plans to redress historic injustices against minority groups.
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She sought legal redress for the harm caused by the negligent driver.
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The union demanded that the employer redress the unfair treatment of its members.
Usage
The word “redress” comes from the Old French word “redrecier,” meaning “to straighten, set right.” The prefix “re-” means “again” or “back,” while the root “dresser” means “to arrange.” Therefore, the word “redress” literally means “to arrange again” or “to set right again.”
Redress can refer to various types of corrective actions, such as addressing an unequal distribution of resources or addressing a past wrong. It can be used in legal or political contexts, as well as in personal situations.
The word “redress” can also be used as a noun to refer to the act of correcting or compensating for a wrong that has been done. For example, a redress scheme may be set up to compensate victims of a particular crime or to address a particular type of injustice.
In some cases, seeking redress may involve a formal legal process, such as filing a lawsuit or making a complaint to a regulatory authority. However, it can also involve more informal methods of dispute resolution, such as mediation or negotiation.
Overall, the word “redress” emphasizes the importance of correcting injustices and setting things right when they have gone wrong.