Retribution vs. Revenge: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
Retribution is punishment administered as justice for wrongdoing, while Revenge is personal retaliation for a perceived wrong.
Key Differences
Retribution and Revenge both pertain to a response after a wrongdoing, but their origins and purposes vary. Retribution is rooted in justice and often involves a neutral party administering punishment proportionate to the offense. Conversely, Revenge is primarily personal, stemming from anger or resentment.
Both Retribution and Revenge seek to address a balance disturbed by a transgression. However, Retribution, by its nature, aims to restore balance in a societal or moral sense. Revenge, however, is more about personal satisfaction and may not necessarily seek a balanced redress.
The motives behind Retribution and Revenge differ. Retribution is about serving justice and ensuring that wrongdoers face consequences for their actions. Revenge, on the other hand, is driven by personal vendettas, often leading to actions that go beyond what might be deemed 'just.'
Institutions, especially in legal systems, often embrace the concept of Retribution, ensuring individuals pay for their crimes in a manner consistent with societal values. Revenge lacks this institutional backing, as it's typically an individual's response and can lead to further conflicts.
In literature and culture, Retribution often takes on a divine or cosmic significance, suggesting a universal sense of justice. Revenge tales, meanwhile, often focus on personal journeys, emphasizing the internal struggles and consequences of seeking vengeance.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Rooted in justice
Driven by personal feelings
Purpose
Restore societal or moral balance
Achieve personal satisfaction
Motive
Serving justice
Personal vendetta
Backing
Often institutionalized, especially in legal systems
Typically individualistic, lacking formal backing
Cultural Representation
Divine or cosmic justice
Personal journey, internal struggles
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Retribution and Revenge Definitions
Retribution
An act of redress for a transgression.
Retribution was swift for the corrupt officials.
Revenge
An act of retaliation for a perceived wrong.
She plotted Revenge against those who betrayed her.
Retribution
Punishment given as a form of justice.
The court ordered Retribution for the crime committed.
Revenge
Often fueled by strong emotions.
Anger and hurt propelled her need for Revenge.
Retribution
A response to wrong based on moral balance.
Many believe in cosmic Retribution for their deeds.
Revenge
Action taken outside formal justice systems.
Taking matters into his own hands, he sought Revenge.
Retribution
An act ensuring wrongdoers face consequences.
Societies often rely on Retribution to maintain order.
Revenge
To inflict punishment in return for (injury or insult).
Retribution
A consequence meted out by a neutral party.
The judge, unbiased, decided the Retribution.
Revenge
(Archaic) To seek or take vengeance for (oneself or another person); avenge.
Retribution
Punishment administered in return for a wrong committed.
Revenge
The act of taking vengeance for injuries or wrongs; retaliation
Took revenge on her tormentors.
Retribution
(Theology) Punishment or reward distributed in a future life based on performance in this one.
Revenge
A desire for revenge; spite or vindictiveness
He did it out of revenge.
Retribution
Punishment inflicted in the spirit of moral outrage or personal vengeance.
Revenge
An opportunity to retaliate, as by a return sports match after a defeat
After the loss, he demanded that he be given his revenge.
Retribution
The act of retributing; repayment.
In good offices and due retributions, we may not be pinching and niggardly.
Revenge
Something done in retaliation, especially a defeat of a rival who has been victorious.
Retribution
That which is given in repayment or compensation; return suitable to the merits or deserts of, as an action; commonly, condign punishment for evil or wrong.
All who have their reward on earth, . . . Naught seeking but the praise of men, here findFit retribution, empty as their deeds.
Revenge
Any form of personal, retaliatory action against an individual, institution, or group for some alleged or perceived harm or injustice.
Indifference is the sweetest revenge.
When I left my wife, she tried to set fire to the house in revenge.
Retribution
Specifically, reward and punishment, as distributed at the general judgment.
It is a strong argument for a state of retribution hereafter, that in this world virtuous persons are very often unfortunate, and vicious persons prosperous.
Revenge
A win by a previous loser.
Retribution
A justly deserved penalty
Revenge
(transitive) To take revenge for (a particular harmful action) or on behalf of (its victim); to avenge.
Arsenal revenged their loss to Manchester United last time with a 5–0 drubbing this time.
Retribution
The act of correcting for your wrongdoing
Revenge
To take one's revenge (on or upon someone).
Retribution
The act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life;
Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord
For vengeance I would do nothing. This nation is too great to look for mere revenge
He swore vengeance on the man who betrayed him
The swiftness of divine retribution
Revenge
To take vengeance; to revenge itself.
Revenge
To inflict harm in return for, as an injury, insult, etc.; to exact satisfaction for, under a sense of injury; to avenge; - followed either by the wrong received, or by the person or thing wronged, as the object, or by the reciprocal pronoun as direct object, and a preposition before the wrong done or the wrongdoer.
To revenge the death of our fathers.
The gods are just, and will revenge our cause.
Come, Antony, and young Octavius, come,Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius.
Revenge
To inflict injury for, in a spiteful, wrong, or malignant spirit; to wreak vengeance for maliciously.
Revenge
To take vengeance; - with
Revenge
The act of revenging; vengeance; retaliation; a returning of evil for evil.
Certainly, in taking revenge, a man is even with his enemy; but in passing it over he is superior.
Revenge
The disposition to revenge; a malignant wishing of evil to one who has done us an injury.
Revenge now goesTo lay a complot to betray thy foes.
The indulgence of revenge tends to make men more savage and cruel.
Revenge
Action taken in return for an injury or offense
Revenge
Take revenge for a perceived wrong;
He wants to avenge the murder of his brother
Revenge
A personal vendetta or response.
His Revenge was driven by years of resentment.
Revenge
An act that may exacerbate conflict.
His quest for Revenge led to further discord among the groups.
FAQs
Can Revenge be justified?
It depends on perspective, but it's often seen as driven by personal emotions.
How does Revenge differ?
Revenge is personal retaliation for a perceived wrong.
Is Retribution always lawful?
While it aligns with justice, not all forms of Retribution are lawful.
Who typically administers Retribution?
Often a neutral or authorized party like courts.
Is Revenge often driven by emotion?
Yes, especially anger and resentment.
Does Retribution always restore balance?
Ideally, it aims to, but perceptions of 'just' punishment vary.
Does Revenge escalate conflicts?
It can, as it might provoke further acts of retaliation.
What is Retribution?
It's punishment administered as justice for wrongdoing.
How is Retribution portrayed in literature?
Often as divine or cosmic justice.
Are there cultural variations in understanding Revenge?
Yes, its acceptance and portrayal can vary widely across cultures.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
