According to Cicero, "ultio" can best be described as?

Cicero uses the term "ultio" to encompass the concept of revenge, which reflects a desire to redress a perceived wrong or injury through retaliation. In the context of Cicero’s philosophy and writings, revenge is often portrayed as a response to an affront or violence against oneself or one's community. By invoking "ultio," Cicero is tapping into a deeper emotional and moral framework where individuals feel compelled to seek vindication for injustices they have suffered, emphasizing the human inclination toward retribution when faced with harm.

While terms like justice, forgiveness, and retribution may seem related, they do not encapsulate the full intensity and personal nature of "ultio" as it pertains specifically to the act of revenge. Justice and retribution can imply a more structured or moral response to wrongdoing, whereas forgiveness points away from the desire for retribution altogether. Thus, understanding "ultio" in Cicero's context reveals a focus on the personal and often passionate need to assert oneself against harm done, making revenge the most fitting description of the term.