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Edict Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ“œ
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edict

[หˆiหdษชkt ]

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?

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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 judgeโ€™s pronouncement of the verdict left everyone in shock.
  • The presidentโ€™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?

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'edict'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'edict' originated from the Latin word 'edictum', which means 'a proclamation or decree'. In ancient Rome, edicts were official orders issued by a magistrate or other public official. These edicts were often inscribed on stone tablets and displayed in public places for all to see. Over time, the term 'edict' came to be used more broadly to refer to any official order or decree issued by a person in authority.

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.