Definition

Adjective 1. Deserved and appropriate, especially for punishment: Used to describe a penalty, retribution, or censure that is fully merited by the wrongdoing and is justly severe or fitting.

Usage

The word "condign" is a formal adjective used almost exclusively to describe punishment, criticism, or a negative consequence that is seen as perfectly suitable and deserved due to the severity of the offense. It implies a strong sense of justice being served.

Examples

• The judge handed down a condign sentence for the brutal crime.
• After years of corruption, the dictator finally faced condign retribution.
• The company's negligence led to a condign fine from the regulators.
• His harsh but condign criticism helped me improve my work.

Advanced Usage

• "Condign punishment": This is the most common collocation, emphasizing a penalty that is both deserved and proportionate.
  • Society demands condign punishment for such heinous acts.

Variants and Related Words

• Condignly (adverb): In a deserved and fitting manner.
  • The traitor was condignly punished.

Synonyms

• Deserved: Rightfully earned, whether good or bad (more general).
• Fitting: Appropriate to the circumstances.
• Merited: Earned or deserved.
• Just: Based on or behaving according to fairness.
• Appropriate: Suitable or proper in the circumstances.

Antonyms

• Undeserved: Not earned or merited.
• Unjust: Not based on or behaving according to fairness.
• Disproportionate: Too large or too small in comparison with something else.
• Lenient: (Of punishment) More merciful or tolerant than expected.

Adjective

1. fitting or appropriate and deserved; used especially of punishment
   • condign censure