In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best one word substitute for the given definition: A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract.

Introduction / Context:
This is a one word substitution question based on legal and general English vocabulary. The description given refers to a punishment that is imposed when someone violates a law, rule, or contract. Such punishment is often financial (a fine) or may involve other sanctions. Recognising the correct term is important for exams, contracts, and legal reading.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Phrase: A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract.
• Context: Legal or contractual consequences.
• Options: penalty, reprieve, grace, amnesty.
• Only one option denotes the actual punishment itself.

Concept / Approach:
The word penalty directly refers to the punishment or disadvantage suffered as a result of breaking rules or laws. For example, a traffic penalty or a penalty for late payment. Reprieve, grace, and amnesty all refer to relief from punishment rather than the punishment itself. Therefore, the best one word substitute for the definition is penalty.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the phrase describes a consequence applied after a violation of law or contract. Step 2: Recall that penalty is the standard term for such a punishment, especially in legal, sports, and financial contexts. Step 3: Examine reprieve, which means a delay or cancellation of a punishment, especially the death penalty. Step 4: Examine grace, which often means kindness, mercy, or a period of extra time during which penalties are not enforced. Step 5: Examine amnesty, which means an official pardon for people who have committed political offences. Step 6: Conclude that only penalty refers to the punishment itself, matching the definition exactly.

Verification / Alternative check:
Test the word in a realistic sentence: There is a penalty for breaking the terms of the contract. This sentence fits naturally and matches the definition. If you replace penalty with reprieve, grace, or amnesty, the meaning changes: There is a reprieve for breaking the contract is incorrect, because reprieve is relief from punishment, not the punishment. This confirms that penalty is the right answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Reprieve is wrong because it is the postponement or cancellation of punishment, often granted by authorities. Grace is wrong because it implies favour, mercy, or a grace period, which softens or delays penalties rather than defining them. Amnesty is wrong because it cancels punishment for a group of offenders; it is the opposite of imposing a punishment. None of these words name the punishment itself.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to confuse legal terms that refer to punishment with those that refer to mercy or forgiveness. Candidates may recognise reprieve or amnesty as legal-sounding words and choose them blindly. Always read the definition carefully and note whether it refers to the punishment itself or to relief from punishment. In this case, the key phrase imposed for breaking a law signals that we need a word like penalty.

Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute is Penalty.