divine retribution

USAGE SUMMARY

"divine retribution" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a punishment inflicted by God or supernatural forces on someone for an action or set of actions they committed. For example: "The villagers believed that the plague was a form of divine retribution for their sins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So even though the Augustinians accept the idea of divine retribution, they appear at the same time to reject important parts of the retributive theory of punishment.

SEP

Divine retribution, you are thinking.

The New York Times - Books

(His enemies claimed it was divine retribution).

The New Yorker

Divine retribution was swift and horrible.

The Guardian - Travel

In a few hours divine retribution will strike.

The Guardian - Arts

Is the epidemic divine retribution for Agua's alchemy?

The New York Times - Books

Zed said the quake had fortified her faith, and that she understood it as divine retribution.

The New York Times

He said that politicians in the kingdom would face the divine retribution for his death.

Independent

Hey, it even has threatening phone calls and the hint of divine retribution.

The Guardian

His movement commemorates this event by annually publishing accounts of "divine retribution" visited on wrongdoers.

Britannica

Nearly all fossils, the museum asserts, are relics of that divine retribution.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "divine retribution" when referring to a punishment believed to be inflicted by a deity or higher power as a consequence for wrongdoing. Ensure the context clearly establishes the belief system or perspective from which this judgment originates.

Common error

Avoid using "divine retribution" to explain events without a clear basis in religious belief or a specific moral framework. Misusing the phrase can trivialize genuine suffering and impose unwarranted religious interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "divine retribution" is that of a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the concept of punishment from a deity or higher power, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divine retribution" is a noun phrase commonly used to describe the concept of punishment inflicted by a deity or higher power as a consequence for wrongdoing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While often associated with religious beliefs, its usage extends to news, media, and encyclopedias, making it a versatile term for discussions about morality, justice, and consequences. Understanding its connotations and appropriate contexts is crucial for effective communication, as misuse can trivialize suffering or impose unwarranted religious interpretations. Alternatives like "divine justice", "karmic payback", and "cosmic justice" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divine vengeance

Emphasizes the vengeful aspect of divine punishment, suggesting a more personal and emotional response from the divine.

divine justice

Emphasizes fairness and righteousness in the punishment.

wrath of God

Highlights the intensity and severity of divine anger and punishment.

visitation of divine anger

Emphasizes the active and intentional nature of the divine punishment.

karmic payback

Highlights the concept of reaping what you sow, suggesting a more natural and less punitive consequence.

cosmic justice

Implies a universal, rather than religious, force ensuring balance.

retribution from above

Implies a punishment from a higher power, without necessarily specifying a deity.

poetic justice

Suggests an ironic or fitting consequence that mirrors the original offense.

just deserts

Focuses on the deserved nature of the punishment, often implying a sense of fairness.

spiritual consequences

Focuses on the repercussions in a spiritual or moral realm.

FAQs

How to use "divine retribution" in a sentence?

You can use "divine retribution" to describe a punishment believed to be inflicted by a deity or higher power for wrongdoing. For example, "The villagers interpreted the sudden drought as "divine retribution" for their sins".

What can I say instead of "divine retribution"?

You can use alternatives like "divine justice", "karmic payback", or "cosmic justice", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "divine retribution" the same as "divine vengeance"?

While related, "divine retribution" generally refers to a deserved punishment, while "divine vengeance" emphasizes the vengeful or retaliatory aspect of the punishment. The latter suggests a more personal and emotional response from the divine.

When is it appropriate to use the term "divine retribution"?

It's appropriate when discussing events or consequences that are explicitly linked to a religious or spiritual belief system where a deity or higher power is believed to administer punishment for moral transgressions. It's important to avoid using it casually or without understanding its religious connotations.