Spanish Conversation · Level 40
75 words
Spanish word
punitivo
Pronunciation
IPA/puniˈtiβo/
Meaning
- adjectivepunitive
Example
¿No crees que esa política es punitiva?
Don't you think that policy is punitive?
More examples
Una actitud punitiva hacia los niños suele generar resentimiento.
A punitive attitude toward children often generates resentment.
Core concept
A policy designed to impose fines or sanctions.
Common phrases
actitud punitiva
punitive attitude
sanciones punitivas
punitive sanctions
Similar words
represivo: Suppresses opposition through coercive measures that curtail freedoms.
disciplinario: Applies corrective penalties or guidance inside institutions to maintain discipline.
castigatorio: Inflicts penalties or chastisement directly in response to wrongdoing.
Definition in Spanish
Que expresa una intención punitiva: la imposición de penas, multas o sanciones frente a una falta.
Word origin
From Latin punitivus (from punire 'to punish' and poena 'penalty'), it denotes an intention to impose penalties.
Usage tips
- Commonly collocates with medida and política (medida punitiva, política punitiva) to describe laws or measures aimed at punishing rather than merely being harsh.
Other meanings
- punishingadjective
- penaladjective
Opposites
- indulgenteindulgentadjective
- laxolaxadjective