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Fines Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fines

[faɪnz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal

Monetary penalties imposed for breaking the law or rules.

Synonyms

charge, fee, penalty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fines

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.
penalty

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.
fee

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.
charge

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.

Examples of usage

  • The company had to pay hefty fines for violating environmental regulations.
  • He was issued a fine for speeding on the highway.
Context #2 | Verb

legal

To impose a monetary penalty for breaking the law or rules.

Synonyms

charge, penalize, punish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
penalize

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.
charge

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.
punish

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.

Examples of usage

  • The judge fined the company for not complying with safety regulations.
  • If caught, you could be fined for littering in this area.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'fines'

The word 'fines' originated from the Latin word 'finire', which means 'to end' or 'to set boundaries'. Over time, it evolved to represent a monetary penalty for breaking the law or rules. Fines have been used as a form of punishment and deterrence in various legal systems throughout history.

See also: fine, finely, finesse, finest.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,886 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.