"to outweigh" x "to compensate"

[jctgf]

hi there,

"the benefits outweigh/compensate the risks".

does both verbs ALWAYS mean exactly the same?

when to use each one?

if I could only use one of them, which one should I choose?

thanks,
jc

[buggles]

If overall we are better off then the benefits outweigh the risks.
If we end up neutral then the benefits compensate for the risks.
As we usually want to be better off we generally use "outweigh".

[jctgf]

hi,

thanks!

so, they don't mean the same but there is a small but real difference, right?

is that difference significant for a foreigner? could i always use outweigh? could i always use compensate? should i try to use both, each one in its appropriate context?

when speaking English, i try to adopt a "basic configuration". this is the best way to avoid making mistakes...

thanks again,
jc

[buggles]

I'd recommend using outweigh every time. We compare risks and benefits hoping we'll be better off so, "outweigh" will invariably be the better choice.

Buggles