rule

¹rule

noun \ˈrül\

Definition of RULE

1

a : a prescribed guide for conduct or action b : the laws or regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for observance by its members c : an accepted procedure, custom, or habit d (1) : a usually written order or direction made by a court regulating court practice or the action of parties (2) : a legal precept or doctrine e : a regulation or bylaw governing procedure or controlling conduct

2

a (1) : a usually valid generalization (2) : a generally prevailing quality, state, or mode <fair weather was the rule yesterday — New York Times> b : a standard of judgment : criterion c : a regulating principle d : a determinate method for performing a mathematical operation and obtaining a certain result

3

a : the exercise of authority or control : dominion b : a period during which a specified ruler or government exercises control

4

a : a strip of material marked off in units used especially for measuring : ruler 3, tape measure b : a metal strip with a type-high face that prints a linear design; also : a linear design produced by or as if by such a strip

— as a rule

: for the most part : generally

Examples of RULE

1. I understand the basic rules of chess.
2. As long as you're living under our roof, you'll follow our rules.
3. The college has strict rules for qualifying for financial assistance.
4. The new rule allows employees to dress casually on Fridays.
5. Under the new rules, casual dress is now allowed.
6. the company's rules and regulations
7. It's important to learn the rules of the road before taking your driving test.
8. It's against the rules to eat during class.
9. He violated the unwritten rule that you must thank your host before you leave a party.
10. If you break the rules, you'll be asked to leave.

Origin of RULE

Middle English reule, from Anglo-French, from Latin regula straightedge, rule, from regere to keep straight, direct — more at right

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to RULE

Synonyms: bylaw, ground rule, reg, regulation

Related Words: code, constitution, decalogue, directory; act, law, ordinance, statute; behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, edict, fiat, instruction, order; axiom, fundamental, maxim, precept; moral, principle, value; ban, interdiction, prohibition, proscription, restriction; convention, custom, habit, manners, mores, practice (also practise), tradition, way; blueprint, canon, formula, guide, guideline, standard

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See Synonym Discussion at law

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

Rhymes with RULE

boule, boulle, cool, drool, fool, fuel, ghoul, gul, mewl, mule, pool, Poole, pul, pule, school, spool, stool, tool, tulle, yule