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Legislative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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legislative

[หˆlษ›dส’ษชsหŒleษชtษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

related to laws and regulations

Relating to the making of laws, or having the power to make laws.

Synonyms

lawmaking, legal, statutory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legislative

Used when referring to the process or body responsible for making laws, such as a parliament or congress.

  • The legislative session will begin next month.
  • She works as an advisor in the legislative department.
legal

Used when referring to anything related to the law, legal matters, or the practice of law.

  • He sought legal advice before signing the contract.
  • The courtroom was filled with legal professionals.
lawmaking

Used when specifically talking about the act of creating laws.

  • The committee dedicated most of its time to lawmaking activities.
  • Lawmaking can be a lengthy and complex process.
statutory

Used when referring to something that is defined or controlled by a written law or statute, often in a more formal or official context.

  • There are statutory requirements that must be met before proceeding.
  • They conducted a statutory review of the regulations.

Examples of usage

  • The legislative branch of the government is responsible for creating new laws.
  • Legislative reforms are necessary to address the current issues in the legal system.
Context #2 | Noun

a group of people with the power to make laws

A body of government that has the power to create laws for a country or region.

Synonyms

assembly, congress, parliament.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legislative

Refers to the function or branch of government responsible for making laws. Often used in legal, official, and political discussions.

  • The legislative body passed a new law regulating environmental practices
  • The legislative session will begin next week
parliament

A specific type of legislative body often found in countries with parliamentary systems. It consists of representatives who make and change laws. Commonly used in Commonwealth countries.

  • The UK Parliament voted on the Brexit deal
  • Members of Parliament debated the new education policy
congress

A formal meeting or series of meetings where representatives or delegates come together to discuss and decide on matters. In the U.S., it specifically refers to the national legislative body.

  • The scientist presented his findings at the international congress
  • The U
  • S
  • Congress passed the healthcare reform bill
assembly

A group of people gathered together, usually for a specific purpose like discussing or making decisions. This term can be used in political or non-political contexts.

  • The school assembly was called to discuss the new rules
  • The legislative assembly debated the new bill for hours

Examples of usage

  • The legislative is comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
  • The legislative meets regularly to discuss and pass new legislation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Government Structure

  • In many countries, the legislative branch is one of three main parts of government, along with the executive and judicial branches.
  • The U.S. Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate, is an example of a legislative body that makes federal laws.

Global Perspectives

  • Different countries have varying models for their legislative branches; some have unicameral systems (one house), while others have bicameral (two houses).
  • In many democracies, citizens can directly influence legislation through petitions and referendums.

Historical Significance

  • The Magna Carta in 1215 is often seen as an early step toward modern legislative government because it limited the powers of the king.
  • The establishment of parliaments in Europe during the Middle Ages marked a significant evolution in how laws were made and who participated.

Civic Engagement

  • Public hearings and open debates are crucial components of legislative processes, allowing citizens to express their opinions on proposed laws.
  • Legislative lobbying is the practice of trying to influence lawmakers to support or oppose legislation, showcasing the role of public interest groups.

Origin of 'legislative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'legis' meaning 'law' combined with 'latius,' meaning 'to make.'
  • It first appeared in the English language in the 15th century, reflecting the growing importance of law in society.

The word 'legislative' originated from the Latin word 'legislativus', which is derived from 'lex', meaning 'law'. The concept of a legislative body dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Roman Republic and Athenian democracy, where assemblies were responsible for creating laws. Over time, the idea of a separate legislative branch of government became a fundamental element of modern democracies, ensuring a system of checks and balances.

See also: legislation, legislators.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,252, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.