poetical justice
The term "poetical justice" is used in literary contexts to describe a situation where characters receive outcomes that align with their moral actions, often in an ironic or fitting manner.
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Definition
C1Literature
(narrative, moral)The concept where characters in a story receive outcomes that match their virtues or vices, ensuring a sense of moral balance.
Example
- In the novel, the villain's downfall serves as poetical justice for his crimes.
- The hero's ultimate triumph over adversity is a clear example of poetical justice.
B2General
(ironic, deserved)A situation where someone experiences a fitting or deserved outcome, often in an ironic way.
Example
- It was poetical justice when the dishonest manager was caught and fired.
- The criminal's arrest felt like poetical justice to the victims.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "poetical justice":