Retributively

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that pertains to the infliction of punishment or consequences for past actions
2. Performed in a manner that involves justly compensating for wrongdoings or misdeeds
3. Done in a way that seeks to impose punishment as a response to a prior offense

Etymology: "Retributively" is about as plain as English etymology gets: it is the adverb of "retributive," formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to that adjective. The suffix is one of the oldest and most productive in English, meaning "in the manner of," so the adverb simply describes doing something in the way a retributive act would be done, that is, as payment owed for a wrong. The adjective "retributive" itself rests on the verb "retribute," and that is where the older meaning lies. The root is the Latin "retribuere," meaning "to pay back" or "to repay," built from "re-" (back) and "tribuere" (to assign or bestow). The notion of giving back what is due, good or bad, is still visible in the adverb's sense of justly compensating for misdeeds.

Synonyms: punitively, vengefully

Antonyms: forgivingly, mercifully