Edict: meaning, definitions and examples

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edict

[ˈiːdɪkt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal

An official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.

Synonyms

command, decree, pronouncement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
edict	Typically used in historical or formal contexts to describe an official order issued by a person in authority. The king issued an edict banning all public gatherings. The government announced an edict to curb pollution.
decree	Often used in legal or governmental contexts to denote an official statement that something must happen. The court issued a decree for the immediate release of the prisoners. A royal decree was announced to reform the tax system.
pronouncement	Used when someone makes a formal or authoritative statement, often in public or official contexts. The judge’s pronouncement of the verdict left everyone in shock. The president’s pronouncement on the issue was awaited by all.
command	Used in situations where one person gives a direct and authoritative order to another, often in military or hierarchical settings. The general gave a command to advance. She followed her supervisor's command without hesitation.

Examples of usage

The emperor issued an edict declaring war on the neighboring kingdom.
The government issued an edict banning the use of plastic bags.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical

An order or decree imposed by a ruler or government that has the force of law.

Synonyms

fiat, mandate, ordinance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
edict	An official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority, often used in historical or formal contexts. The king issued an edict abolishing all taxes on grain. According to the royal edict, the festival will take place annually.
ordinance	A piece of legislation enacted by a municipal authority, commonly used to refer to local laws or regulations. The town passed an ordinance banning smoking in all public parks. Under the new city ordinance, noise levels must be reduced after 10 PM.
mandate	An official order or commission to do something, often used in governmental, institutional, or organizational contexts. Typically this conveys a sense of authority given by a higher power. The governor issued a mandate requiring all citizens to wear masks in public spaces. The committee has been given a mandate to investigate the financial irregularities.
fiat	An authoritative and often arbitrary order, typically used to describe a decree that's issued without the consent or input of those it affects. This term can have a negative connotation. The new policy was not open for discussion; it was put into place by fiat. With a sudden fiat, the manager changed the company's direction.

Examples of usage

The edicts of the Roman emperors were inscribed on stone tablets.
The edicts of the king were displayed in the town square for all to see.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'edictum', which means 'something proclaimed'.
In Latin, 'e' means 'out', and 'dicere' means 'to say', highlighting the action of stating something important.
The term has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, reflecting its long-standing role in governance.

Historical Context

Edicts were often issued by rulers in ancient civilizations, such as the Roman Empire, to manage laws and policies.
One famous edict is the Edict of Milan (313 AD), which granted religious tolerance in the Roman Empire.
In many cultures, edicts marked significant changes in law, such as the abolition of slavery or land reforms.

Legal Significance

In modern terms, an edict can refer to official regulations issued by governmental authorities.
While often associated with monarchs or dictators, democratically elected governments can also issue edicts during emergencies.
Edicts may bypass traditional legislative processes, meaning they can be enacted quickly in urgent situations.

Pop Culture

In various literature, edicts often serve as mechanisms for plots, where characters must navigate the consequences of following or opposing them.
Films about dystopian futures often feature strict edicts that dictate societal rules, showcasing conflict and rebellion against authority.
Historical dramas frequently highlight the impact of various edicts on society, illustrating how they can lead to change or unrest.

Philosophical Perspectives

Philosophers like John Locke explored the idea of edicts in the context of natural law and governance, questioning their moral implications.
Edicts raise interesting discussions about individual freedoms versus societal order, often debated in political philosophy.
In some cultures, obedience to edicts is tied to notions of loyalty and duty, while in others, there may be a strong resistance to imposed authority.

Translations

Translations of the word "edict" in other languages:

🇵🇹 edicto

🇮🇳 फ़रमान

🇩🇪 Erlass

🇮🇩 maklumat

🇺🇦 указ

🇵🇱 edykt

🇯🇵 勅令 (ちょくれい)

🇫🇷 édit

🇪🇸 edicto

🇹🇷 ferman

🇰🇷 칙령

🇸🇦 مرسوم

🇨🇿 výnos

🇸🇰 výnos

🇨🇳 法令

🇸🇮 odlok

🇮🇸 tilskipun

🇰🇿 жарлық

🇬🇪 დეკრეტი

🇦🇿 fəman

🇲🇽 edicto

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,305, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14302 leprosy
14303 fondness
14304 outstretched
14305 edict
14306 gout
14307 repel
14308 commendation
...