Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Decree: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“œ
Add to dictionary

decree

 

[dษชหˆkriห ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal document

A decree is an official order that has the force of law, usually issued by a head of state or government.

Synonyms

edict, mandate, order.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
decree

Use 'decree' in formal or authoritative contexts, often when a decision is made by a person of high authority such as a government official or monarch.

  • The king issued a decree that all citizens must pay a new tax.
  • The president signed a decree to improve environmental regulations.
edict

An 'edict' is similar to a decree but is generally used for formal public announcements made by someone in power, especially by monarchs or religious authorities.

  • The emperor's edict was announced in every town square.
  • A royal edict prohibited the hunting of endangered species.
order

'Order' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and it generally means a command or instruction given by an authority. It can also be used in everyday situations.

  • The general gave an order to advance the troops.
  • She received an order to submit the report by tomorrow.
mandate

Use 'mandate' when referring to an official order or commission to do something, often given by an organization or authority. It often implies a sense of responsibility or duty.

  • The new mandate requires all employees to complete safety training.
  • The agency has a mandate to protect consumer rights.

Examples of usage

  • The king issued a decree banning the use of plastic bags.
  • The government passed a decree to increase taxes on luxury goods.
Context #2 | Noun

religious

In religious contexts, a decree refers to a formal and authoritative order or decision by a religious authority.

Synonyms

directive, pronouncement, ruling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
decree

This is often used in a formal context when referring to authoritative orders, usually from a government or leader. A decree is binding and official.

  • The king issued a decree banning all public gatherings.
  • A new environmental protection decree was announced.
pronouncement

This is typically used to describe formal statements or declarations, often of significant matters. Pronouncements can be public or official but are not necessarily authoritative commands.

  • The judge made a pronouncement on the case's outcome.
  • The CEO's pronouncement changed the direction of the company.
ruling

This is generally used in legal contexts to refer to decisions made by a judge or a court. A ruling is an official decision that must be followed.

  • The court's ruling was in favor of the defendant.
  • The Supreme Court's ruling set a new legal precedent.
directive

This is used in professional or governmental contexts to describe instructions or orders given to guide actions or decisions. It often indicates a clear command that must be followed.

  • The manager issued a directive to improve customer service.
  • The EU has released a new directive on data protection.

Examples of usage

  • The Pope issued a decree allowing women to become priests.
  • The council issued a decree declaring the new doctrine.
Context #3 | Verb

officially order

To decree means to officially order or decide something, often with the power of law.

Synonyms

command, dictate, order.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
decree

A formal and authoritative order, especially one having the force of law given by a ruler or government.

  • The king issued a decree abolishing the old tax laws
  • The government passed the decree to ensure public safety
order

A directive or instruction to do something, commonly used in everyday situations and official contexts.

  • He was given an order to clean his room
  • The officer issued an order to evacuate the building
command

An authoritative order given by someone in a higher position, often used in military or hierarchical organizations.

  • The general gave the command to advance
  • She received a command to report to the officer immediately
dictate

An order or principle that must be obeyed, often suggesting strict or authoritarian tone; can have a negative connotation.

  • The dictator's rule was marked by harsh dictates
  • The policy change was dictated by the economic situation

Examples of usage

  • The court decreed that the land belonged to the indigenous tribe.
  • The mayor decreed a curfew for the city.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'decretum', meaning 'to decide' or 'to determine'.
  • Its use in English dates back to the 14th century, originally referring to decisions made by courts.

Law

  • Decrees can be issued by government authorities, including the president or local leaders, to create or change laws.
  • Some legal systems recognize decrees as crucial in managing urgent matters without going through the entire legislative process.

History

  • Decrees played an important role in ancient Roman governance, allowing emperors to bypass typical political channels.
  • Notable historical decrees include the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln, which declared freedom for slaves in rebelling states.

Literature

  • In literary works, decrees often drive the plot by imposing restrictions or launching conflicts between characters.
  • They can symbolize authority, oppression, or the struggle against injustice in narratives.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, traditional leaders may issue decrees that reflect community values or spiritual beliefs, linking societal norms with governance.
  • The use of decrees is often shown in film or literature to explore themes of power and control, illustrating how rules affect lives.

Translations

Translations of the word "decree" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น decreto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค†เคฆเฅ‡เคถ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Dekret

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dekret

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัƒะบะฐะท

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dekret

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆณ•ไปค (ใปใ†ใ‚Œใ„)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฉcret

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ decreto

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kararname

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฒ•๋ น (beomnyeong)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฑุณูˆู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dekret

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ dekrรฉt

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆณ•ไปค (fวŽlรฌng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ dekret

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tilskipun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐั€ะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ”แƒ™แƒ แƒ”แƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fษ™rman

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ decreto

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,849, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.