Rule: meaning, definitions and examples

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rule

 

[ ruːl ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

legal

A prescribed guide for conduct or action. A regulation or principle governing conduct or procedure within a particular area of activity.

Synonyms

guideline, law, principle, regulation

Examples of usage

  • Following the rules of the game is crucial for fair play.
  • The school has strict rules about uniform and behavior.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To exercise control, direction, or influence over. To dominate or influence the behavior of someone or something.

Synonyms

control, dominate, govern, influence

Examples of usage

  • Parents need to rule their children with love and discipline.
  • The dictator ruled the country with an iron fist.

Translations

Translations of the word "rule" in other languages:

🇵🇹 regra

🇮🇳 नियम

🇩🇪 Regel

🇮🇩 aturan

🇺🇦 правило

🇵🇱 zasada

🇯🇵 規則 (きそく)

🇫🇷 règle

🇪🇸 regla

🇹🇷 kural

🇰🇷 규칙 (gyuchik)

🇸🇦 قاعدة

🇨🇿 pravidlo

🇸🇰 pravidlo

🇨🇳 规则 (guīzé)

🇸🇮 pravilo

🇮🇸 regla

🇰🇿 ереже

🇬🇪 წესი (tsesi)

🇦🇿 qayda

🇲🇽 regla

Etymology

The word 'rule' originated from the Old French word 'riule' which came from the Latin word 'regula' meaning 'straight stick, bar, ruler, pattern'. The concept of rules has been essential in human societies to establish order and ensure fair play in various activities.

See also: overrule, ruled, ruler, rulers, rules, ruling, unruliness.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #490, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.