Fines: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to monetary punishments for breaking the law, usually in small amounts for minor offenses.

• He was fined $100 for speeding.
• The company faced heavy fines for violating health regulations.

Used in situations involving punishment, not necessarily monetary, for breaking rules or agreements. Often used in legal, sports, and financial contexts.

• The penalty for late payment is an additional $50.
• He received a penalty for committing a foul during the game.

Refers to money paid for a service or privilege, such as professional services, membership, or usage rights.

• The lawyer's fee was quite high.
• They charge an annual membership fee to join the club.

Typically used when referring to a price that needs to be paid for a service or product. It can also mean an accusation in a legal context.

• There is a small charge for using the public swimming pool.
• She faced criminal charges for her actions.

Used in formal or semiformal contexts to describe the act of imposing a penalty, could be monetary or other forms of punishment.

• The team was penalized for having too many players on the field.
• Students who submit assignments late will be penalized.

Often used when someone is formally accused of a crime; can also refer to the act of asking for payment for goods or services.

• She was charged with theft after being caught on camera.
• The mechanic charged me $50 for the repair.

Generally used to describe the act of inflicting a penalty or consequence for wrongdoing. Can be used in both formal and informal settings and can imply a broader range of penalties, not just monetary.

• Parents sometimes struggle with how to effectively punish bad behavior.
• The judge decided to punish him with a year of community service.