How Do You Spell PENAL?

Pronunciation: [pˈiːnə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "penal" is consistent with its pronunciation. It is pronounced as /ˈpiːnəl/ with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the first sound is a voiceless bilabial plosive /p/, followed by a long vowel sound /i:/ and a voiced alveolar nasal /n/. The last syllable ends with an unvoiced alveolar lateral approximant /l/. Overall, the spelling of "penal" accurately represents its phonetic characteristics.

PENAL Meaning and Definition

  1. Penal is an adjective that is used to describe something related to punishment, especially as it pertains to legal or criminal activities. It originated from the Latin word "poenal" which means punishment or penalty. When used in a legal context, it refers to actions, laws, or procedures that are designed to enforce penalties for committing crimes.

    In this context, penal implies the imposition of punishment such as fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions authorized by law. For instance, penal code refers to a system of laws defining criminal offenses, their punishments, and related procedures. Similarly, a penal institution is a facility where individuals convicted of crimes are incarcerated to serve their sentences.

    Apart from the legal domain, penal can also refer to any situation, practice, or circumstance that is considered punitive or involving severe consequences. For instance, penal measures can be implemented to regulate or control behavior within a particular organization or institution, aiming to ensure compliance with rules and prevent wrongdoing.

    Overall, the word penal denotes actions or conditions that are associated with punishment, whether in a legal or non-legal sense. Its usage implies a link to the consequences imposed on individuals who commit offenses, and it is most commonly used in the context of the law and criminal justice system.

  2. That punishes; that incurs or inflicts punishment; used as a place of punishment.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PENAL

Etymology of PENAL

The word "penal" comes from the Latin term "pēnālis", which itself derives from the noun "pēna", meaning punishment or penalty. In Latin, "pēna" referred to the suffering or penalty inflicted on wrongdoers as a form of retribution. The term was then borrowed into English, where it retained its sense of relating to punishment or pertaining to penalties.

Similar spelling words for PENAL

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