Fine

The word fine is used in English with more than one meaning.

• People sometimes use the word fine as an adjective to mean that something is good.

• It may also mean that something is very thin. For example, a fine thread of silk.

• If someone is found guilty of a minor crime, their punishment may be to "pay a fine", which is to pay a certain amount of money. In many countries, fines can be ordered by police, court judges and some government officers.

• When agreeing to a contract with a business, you may agree to rules. If you break the rules, then you agree to pay a fine for doing so.

For example, imagine you hire a car from Speedy-Car-Hire and agree to return it by Friday noon. You also agree that, if you do not return the car by noon, you must pay a $50 fine to the Speedy-Car-Hire.