Penalty
'pen.əl.ti
Definitions
2 meaningsA punishment imposed for breaking a rule, law, or contract.
'pen.əl.ti
A punishment for breaking a rule or law.
The judge imposed a severe penalty on the company.
💡 Simply: Imagine you broke a rule in a game, like touching the ball with your hands in soccer. The penalty is a consequence for that, like the other team getting a free kick. It's what you get when you don't follow the rules.
👶 For kids: A penalty is when you get in trouble for doing something wrong, like when you have to sit on the bench in a game because you broke a rule.
More Examples
The soccer player faced a penalty after the foul.
The penalty for late payment is a small fee.
How It's Used
"The penalty for speeding is a fine."
"The team was given a penalty for a foul."
A disadvantage or burden resulting from a particular situation or action.
'pen.əl.ti
A disadvantage or burden.
The penalty of his actions was his social isolation.
💡 Simply: Think of the *penalty* of not bringing your umbrella on a rainy day: getting wet! It's something negative that happens because of your actions or circumstances.
👶 For kids: A penalty can be something bad that happens because you made a mistake or are in a bad situation, like when you are late to school and have to stay in for recess.
More Examples
There is always a penalty for breaking the law.
The economic downturn put a significant penalty on the company.
How It's Used
"The company faced a significant penalty due to the economic downturn."
"The penalty of not studying was failing the exam."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
pay the penalty
To suffer the consequences of one's actions.
"If you cheat, you will have to pay the penalty."
From Old French *peine* ('pain, punishment'), ultimately from Latin *poena* ('punishment, penalty').
Historically used in legal contexts, it originally referred to a specific form of punishment.
Memory tip
Think of being *penal*ized - you get a penalty for something wrong.