punitive
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “punitive” mean?
adjective.inflicted or intended as punishment.
SAT Usage
this term is often found in contexts related to legal, social, or economic discussions, particularly concerning laws, penalties, or policies aimed at deterring undesirable behavior. It emphasizes a focus on consequences and retribution rather than rehabilitation or prevention, distinguishing it from terms like "corrective," which suggests a more reformative approach.
Common Confusions
Punitive implies a focus on punishment and retribution, while corrective usually suggests an approach aimed at reforming or improving behavior rather than solely penalizing it.
Do not choose punitive if the context emphasizes reward or leniency rather than being inflicted or intended as punishment.
Example Sentences
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The jury awarded $10,000 in punitive damages.