lex talionis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Legal, Historical
Quick answer
What does “lex talionis” mean?
the law of retaliation, whereby a punishment resembles the offense committed in kind and degree (an eye for an eye).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
the law of retaliation, whereby a punishment resembles the offense committed in kind and degree (an eye for an eye).
The principle of retributive justice found in ancient legal systems; any system or situation governed by strict reciprocal punishment or payback.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British academic/legal texts discussing historical law.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of antiquity, harsh justice, and primal reciprocity.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. Primarily found in specialized contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “lex talionis” in a Sentence
The [legal system/code] was governed by (the principle of) lex talionis.They advocated for a return to a form of lex talionis.The critic described the policy as a modern lex talionis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically to describe cut-throat competitive practices.
Academic
Common in legal history, philosophy, theology, and ethics papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in legal and historical analyses of ancient Near Eastern and Biblical law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lex talionis”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lex talionis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lex talionis”
- Incorrectly treating it as an English plural ('lex talionises'). It is a Latin phrase, invariant.
- Mispronouncing 'talionis' with stress on the first 'i' instead of the 'o' (in US) or second 'i' (in UK).
- Using it to describe simple revenge rather than a codified legal principle.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in its pure, literal form. Modern legal systems focus on proportional sentencing, deterrence, and rehabilitation rather than strict bodily reciprocity. However, the principle of proportional retribution remains influential.
It is a Latin phrase meaning 'law of retaliation'. It was used by Roman jurists to describe principles found in earlier legal codes like the Babylonian Code of Hammurabi and Mosaic Law.
Lex talionis implies a formal, often codified, legal principle that limits retaliation to a proportionate, equivalent act. Revenge is personal, emotional, and can be excessive and unstructured.
Yes, it is often used metaphorically to describe any situation where actions are met with directly equivalent responses, such as in politics, diplomacy, or business competition.
Lex talionis is usually formal, academic, legal, historical in register.
Lex talionis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɛks ˌtælɪˈəʊnɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɛks ˌtæliˈoʊnɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An eye for an eye (a tooth for a tooth).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LEX' (law) 'TALIONIS' sounds like 'tally' or 'retaliation' – it's the law of keeping a tally/score for payback.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE IS A BALANCED SCALE (specifically, one balanced by identical weights of harm).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core concept of 'lex talionis'?