condign

[ kuhn-dahyn ]

adjective

1. well-deserved; fitting; adequate:

   condign punishment.

   Synonyms: suitable, appropriate

condign

/ kənˈdaɪn /

adjective

1. (esp of a punishment) fitting; deserved

Derived Forms

• conˈdignly, adverb

Other Words From

• con·dignly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of condign¹

1375–1425; late Middle English condigne < Anglo-French, Middle French < Latin condignus, equivalent to con- con- + dignus worthy; dignity

Word History and Origins

Origin of condign¹

C15: from Old French condigne, from Latin condignus, from dignus worthy

Example Sentences

They wish it for many reasons: as condign punishment for his crimes against democracy, the subject of a new federal indictment filed Tuesday; payback for his exploitation of the criminal justice system for his own ends; petty vengeance against an obnoxious antagonist; and a means of ridding the country of his toxic presence.

From Los Angeles Times

Such rejection, Will wrote, would be “condign punishment for their Vichyite collaboration.”

From Los Angeles Times

How is the word "condign" now most frequently employed?

From Literature

In connection with punishment: thus we speak of "condign punishment," meaning richly deserved punishment.

From Literature

Asked about the matter at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Boris Johnson said having the party whip withdrawn had been "condign", or appropriate punishment in this instance.

From BBC

Related Words

• advisable
• applicable
• apt
• convenient
• correct
• fitting
• good
• good enough
• handy
• proper
• reasonable
• relevant
• satisfactory
• sufficient
• suited
• useful