punitively
1
7.7
- adverb
- /ˈpjuːnɪtɪvli/
- The literature on societal reactions to older offenders suggests that the older perpetrator should be treated less punitively than his or her younger counterpart, even when found guilty of the same offense.
Examples
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For example, teachers who have emotionally withdrawn from their jobs will be less tolerant of student behaviors and are more likely to respond punitively to misbehavior.
Academic text (2014) -
The new law was implemented punitively to discourage reckless driving among teenagers.
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Thankfully, we did not go down this path with cigarettes, which are now regulated and taxed punitively.
Blog text (26) -
In fact, we have all the criminal and sentencing laws we need to respond severely and punitively to criminal conduct inspired, in whole or in part, by prejudice.
Academic text (1993) -
He was particularly opposed to the church's using excommunication from the Lord's Supper as a method of punishment, for he felt that Holy Communion should not be used punitively.
Academic text (1990) -
Yet pitting legitimate property against stolen goods confuses a key issue in The Eustace Diamonds, since Lizzie does have a legal "right" to the diamonds; the question becomes why her desire to keep them should be treated so punitively.
Academic text (2016) -
Many employees felt that the management acted punitively by imposing strict penalties for minor infractions.
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He was punitively reassigned to a less desirable position after repeated violations of company policy.
Synonyms
1
7.9
In a way that involves punishment or official rules for behaviour
1
9.2
In a way that punishes someone for breaking rules
Antonyms
How Punitive
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Punitively comes from the same root as punish, which comes from an old Latin word meaning 'to punish', and the ending -ly means 'in a way'. So, punitively means 'in a way that is meant as punishment'.