Penalty

Definition

Penalty is generally understood as a punishment imposed or incurred for violating a law, rule, or contract.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɛnəlti/
• Respelling: PEN-uhl-tee (with "PEN" as in "pen," "uhl" as a softer "ull," and "tee" as in "tree")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɛnəlti/
• Respelling: PEN-uhl-tee (similar to American English, with "PEN" as in "pen," "uhl" as a softer "ull," and "tee" as in "tree")

In both dialects, "penalty" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "PEN." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of the "PEN" part followed by the "uhl" and "tee" sounds.

Etymology

The word "penalty" is derived from the Latin "poenālitās", which originates from "poena", meaning "punishment" or "penalty".

Derivatives

• Penalize
• Penalization
• Penally
• Penal
• Penalty box

Synonyms

• Punishment
• Sanction
• Fine

Antonyms

• Reward
• Incentive
• Bonus

Usage

The term "penalty" is frequently utilized in both legal and sports contexts. In legal situations, it refers to a punishment for wrongdoing, which might include a fine, imprisonment, or other measures. In sports, it can refer to a disadvantage given to a player or team for violating game rules.

Related Terms

• Penalty clause
• Penalty kick
• Penalty shot
• Penalty phase
• Penalty card

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A punishment, often in the form of payment, imposed for breaking a rule, law, or contract.
• Example: "If you break the terms of the contract, you will have to pay a penalty."

• A disadvantage or loss imposed due to an unfavorable situation, mistake, or error.
• Example: "His tardiness was a penalty because he missed out on the beginning of the meeting."

• In sports, a method by which a team or player is penalized for an infringement of the rules.
• Example: "The soccer player was awarded a penalty kick after the foul in the box."