pay vs compensate

pay is a noun but compensate is not a noun.

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

As verbs, compensate is a hyponym of pay; that is, compensate is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than pay:

As verbs, pay and compensate are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of pay include make up, pay off.

pay (noun)	compensate (noun)
something that remunerates

pay (verb)	compensate (verb)
dedicate	make payment to; compensate
bear (a cost or penalty), in recompense for some action	make amends for; pay compensation for
convey, as of a compliment, regards, attention, etc.; bestow	do or give something to somebody in return
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services	make reparations or amends for
bring in	adjust for
do or give something to somebody in return	make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities
cancel or discharge a debt
make a compensation for
discharge or settle
render
be worth it