Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Decrees Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚖️
Add to dictionary

decrees

[dɪˈkriːz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

government

Official orders or decisions issued by a government or a person in authority.

Synonyms

edicts, mandates, orders.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
decrees

Official decisions or orders issued by an authority, often used in legal or governmental contexts. These are formal and have the force of law.

  • The president issued a decree to reduce taxes.
  • By royal decree, the festival date was changed.
orders

General directives or commands issued by someone in authority. This term is more flexible and can be used in various settings like military, business, or even everyday instructions.

  • The manager gave orders to clean up the office.
  • He received orders to report to the captain immediately.
mandates

Official commands or instructions given by a higher authority, often used in organizational, governmental, or election contexts.

  • The mayor's mandate requires all residents to recycle.
  • The UN issued a mandate for peacekeeping operations.
edicts

Formal proclamations or commands issued by a sovereign or other authority. These have a very authoritative and sometimes historical connotation.

  • The king's edict banned hunting in the royal forests.
  • An edict was announced to change the currency.

Examples of usage

  • The decrees issued by the king must be followed by all citizens.
  • The decrees of the council were binding on all members.
Context #2 | Verb

law

To officially order or decide something, especially in a legal context.

Synonyms

determine, order, rule.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
decrees

Official decisions made by a person or body with authority, often relating to government or religious matters.

  • The king issued several decrees to improve the living standards in the kingdom.
  • New environmental protection decrees have been put into effect by the local government.
order

Instructions or commands given to others, often in a hierarchical setting such as military or workplace. It can carry an authoritative tone.

  • The general gave an order to advance the troops at dawn.
  • You need to follow your manager's order to complete the project on time.
determine

To decide or conclude after consideration, often used in the context of investigating or figuring something out.

  • The scientists will determine the cause of the unusual weather patterns.
  • After checking the evidence, the jury will determine the defendant's guilt or innocence.
rule

Norms or regulations established by a governing body or organization. It can also mean the act of governing or leading.

  • The new dress code rule requires all employees to wear uniforms.
  • Fair and just rule is essential for the stability of any country.

Examples of usage

  • The judge decreed that the defendant should pay a fine.
  • The court decreed that the property should be returned to its rightful owner.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In ancient Rome, decrees were used to codify laws that citizens had to follow.
  • During the French Revolution, leaders issued decrees to implement rapid social and political change.

Cultural References

  • Many fairy tales involve a king or queen issuing a decree that sets the story in motion.
  • Decrees often lead to famous speeches or declarations in literature, marking pivotal moments in plots.

Political Science

  • Decrees can be used in various governmental systems, including monarchies and authoritarian regimes.
  • They serve as tools for leaders to establish rules without the lengthy process of legislative approval.

Legal Implications

  • Decrees may have the force of law in some jurisdictions, meaning they must be obeyed like laws.
  • In some legal systems, individuals can challenge decrees in court if they believe they are unjust.

Origin of 'decrees'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'decretum', which means 'to decide, to determine'.
  • Historically, it has roots in legal and church contexts, where official rulings were vital.

The word 'decrees' comes from the Latin word 'decretum', which means 'something decided'. Decrees have been used throughout history by rulers, governments, and religious authorities to establish laws, regulations, and orders. They have played a significant role in shaping societies and governing people's behavior.

See also: decrement.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,589 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.