underpaid
|un/der/paid|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌʌndərˈpeɪd/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌndəˈpeɪd/
(underpay)
insufficiently compensated
Etymology
Etymology Information
'underpaid' originates from the prefix 'under-' meaning 'below' and the verb 'pay', which comes from Latin 'pacare', meaning 'to appease'.
Historical Evolution
'underpay' transformed from the Old English word 'underpegan', eventually becoming the modern English word 'underpay'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to pay less than is due', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'underpay'.
The company underpaid its employees for years.
Adjective 1
receiving less money than is deserved for work done.
Many teachers feel they are underpaid for the work they do.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45