Condigness

/kənˈdaɪnnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being deserved or merited; the appropriateness of a punishment to an offense.

Etymology

From condign plus the noun-forming suffix -ness. Creates an abstract noun expressing the quality described by the adjective.

Kelly Says

English loves -ness for turning adjectives into abstract concepts (happy→happiness, bright→brightness), and 'condigness' follows this pattern to describe the philosophical principle that punishments should fit crimes.

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