What does retributively mean?
Retributively means in a way that seeks to punish wrongdoing by making an offender suffer in return for the harm caused. The adverb is especially associated with a deliberately punitive attitude rather than a purpose centered on rehabilitation, deterrence, or restoration. It is typically used in formal discussion of law, justice, punishment, retaliation, and morality. For example, a sentence imposed retributively is intended to express proportionate blame and make the offender pay for the offense. The word can sound severe or morally uncompromising because it explicitly emphasizes retribution as a principle. Although it is related to the more familiar adjective retributive, retributively is best reserved for precise, formal contexts where the manner or purpose of punishment is being described.
adverbIn a manner intended to punish wrongdoing or make the offender suffer for an offense.
- In a punitive or retaliatory manner, especially as a deliberate response to wrongdoing.
"The judge imposed a severe sentence, deliberately acting retributively rather than merely imposing a restorative penalty."
"The attackers were punished retributively for causing extensive damage."
"Some critics argued that the sentence had been imposed retributively, without considering the possibility of rehabilitation."
Retribution is what punishment gives back; retributively is how punishment acts when it deliberately makes the offender pay.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does retributively come from?
The word belongs to a family based on Latin retribuere, formed from re-, meaning back, and tribuere, meaning assign or allot. English developed related forms including retribute, retribution, and retributive. Retributively was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to retributive.
Related word forms
How retributively is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon word. It emphasizes punishment intended to make an offender pay for wrongdoing, and it may suggest a severe or retaliatory approach.
Easily confused with retributively
Retributive is the adjective describing punishment based on wrongdoing, while retributively is the adverb describing how someone acts or punishes in that manner.