compensate vs modify

compensate and modify both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
compensate	No	No	Yes	No
modify	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, modify is a hypernym of compensate; that is, modify is a word with a broader meaning than compensate:

Other hypernyms of compensate include alter, change.

compensate (verb)	modify (verb)
make payment to; compensate	make less severe or harsh or extreme
make amends for; pay compensation for	add a modifier to a constituent
do or give something to somebody in return	cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
make reparations or amends for
adjust for
make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities