n./v. · neutral

fine

/faɪn/FINE

Band 5-6speakingtask2

(n) Money paid as a punishment for breaking a law or rule. (v) To require someone to pay such money.

Examples

He had to pay a large fine for parking illegally.

The company was fined for breaching safety regulations.

Fines are often used instead of prison for minor offences.

Band 8 sentence

Rather than imprisoning first‑time offenders, the council preferred to impose fines coupled with community service.

Collocations

  • pay a fine
  • impose a fine
  • heavy/large fine

Word family

fine n./v.fined adj. (participial)

Common mistakes

He was punished $500.He was fined $500.

pay penaltypay a fine

Say it for a higher band

5penalty6punishment7+fine

Synonyms

penalty

Easily confused

penalty

The penalty for late submission may include a fine or suspension.

Related words

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In Crime & Law

Learn it with its set