Retributively: meaning, definitions and examples

⚖️
Add to dictionary

retributively

 

[ rɪˈtrɪbjuːtɪvli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

legal context

Retributively pertains to the concept of retribution, which involves punishment that is proportionate to the offense committed. In a legal sense, actions taken retributively focus on imposing penalties for wrongdoing as a means of achieving justice. This approach emphasizes accountability and the idea that individuals should face consequences for their actions. Retributive measures are often contrasted with rehabilitative strategies that aim to reform rather than punish.

Synonyms

punitive, retaliatory, vengeful

Examples of usage

  • The court imposed the sentence retributively to deter future crimes.
  • Judges often consider a retributive approach when setting penalties.
  • The theory supports punishing offenders retributively to restore societal balance.

Translations

Translations of the word "retributively" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retributivamente

🇮🇳 प्रतिशोधात्मक रूप से

🇩🇪 retributiv

🇮🇩 secara retributif

🇺🇦 репресивно

🇵🇱 retributywnie

🇯🇵 報復的に

🇫🇷 de manière rétributive

🇪🇸 retributivamente

🇹🇷 retributif olarak

🇰🇷 보복적으로

🇸🇦 بصورة انتقامية

🇨🇿 retributivně

🇸🇰 retributívne

🇨🇳 报复性地

🇸🇮 retributivno

🇮🇸 refsingarlega

🇰🇿 кек алу түрде

🇬🇪 შეფასებით

🇦🇿 cəzalandırıcı şəkildə

🇲🇽 retributivamente

Etymology

The word 'retributively' is derived from the root 'retribution', which comes from the Latin word 'retributio', meaning 'recompense, reward, or payment back'. This term traces its origins back to the Latin verb 'retribuere', comprised of 're-' (meaning back) and 'tribuere' (to assign or to apportion). The concept of retribution as a form of justice has historically been linked to the idea that individuals should receive punishments that are proportionate to their crimes. Over time, this principle became fundamental in legal systems, emphasizing moral responsibility and justice. The adverb 'retributively' emerged to describe actions or policies that are motivated by the desire for retributive justice, marking a significant aspect of legal philosophy and ethical discussions surrounding crime and punishment.