Question

According to the word entry, how many definitions are there for the word retribution? ret•ri•bu•tion (re-trə-ˈbyü-shən) n. 1: Something justly deserved; repayment. 2: Something given or demanded in reparation, especially punishment. [Middle English retribucioun, from Old French retribution, from Latin retribuere, to pay back.]

Answer 1

The answer is indeed two definitions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In dictionaries, word entries have specific characteristics that help readers obtain as much information as possible about a word in a clear manner. Entries follow certain rules, which allows readers to use any dictionary without problems, knowing what they'll find and in what sequence. When the word is defined, the different definitions are marked by different numbers. Let's analyze the word entry provided in the question:

ret•ri•bu•tion (re-trə-ˈbyü-shən) n. 1: Something justly deserved; repayment. 2: Something given or demanded in reparation, especially punishment.

Notice how, after number 1, we have a semicolon separating "something justly deserved" and "repayment". That semicolon shows that both parts are actually the same definition being presented in different ways. However, as soon as the definition changes, a number 2 is place in front of it. The amount of numbers is, thus, the amount of definitions. In this case, we have two numbers, two definitions.

Answer 2

Answer: Two

According to this word entry, there are two definitions for the word "retribution." Retribution can refer to something that is deserved, or something that is received as payment. However, retribution can also refer to something that is given or demanded as reparation for a damage. It is easy to see how many definitions are given in a word entry because they are usually listed with numbers.