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Ruler Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ruler

[ˈruː.lər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

measurement

A person or thing that rules or governs. A strip of wood, metal, or other material having a straight edge and usually marked off in inches or centimeters, used for drawing straight lines or measuring lengths.

Synonyms

governor, leader, measuring stick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ruler

Duplicate entry not required as it has been mentioned above.
governor

Commonly used to describe the elected official who is the head of a state or province in a country. It emphasizes the governance and administration of a specific region.

  • The governor signed the new law into action
  • The governor has a lot of responsibilities, including managing the state budget
leader

Refers to someone who guides or directs a group of people, an organization, or a country. The term is broad and can be used in various contexts, including political, business, and social.

  • The team needs a strong leader to succeed
  • Nelson Mandela was a renowned leader who made a significant impact on the world
measuring stick

Specifically refers to a tool used for measuring length, similar to a ruler, but the term can also metaphorically describe a standard used to judge or compare something.

  • Use a measuring stick to ensure the table is the right length
  • The company's success is the measuring stick for our own goals

Examples of usage

  • The ruler of the country made an important announcement.
  • She used a ruler to draw a straight line.
  • The ruler is 12 inches long.
Context #2 | Noun

school

An official who is in charge of a school. A straight strip of wood or metal marked in inches or centimeters, used for measuring or as a guide in drawing straight lines.

Synonyms

headmaster, principal, straightedge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ruler

An object used for measuring lengths or drawing straight lines.

  • She used a ruler to measure the length of the paper.
  • The architect drew straight lines using a ruler.
principal

The head of a school, more commonly used in the United States for both public and private schools.

  • The principal announced the school assembly.
  • She became the principal of the elementary school last year.
headmaster

The male head of a private school.

  • The headmaster gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.
  • The new headmaster implemented several changes in the school's policies.
straightedge

A tool used to check the straightness of lines or surfaces; often used in drafting.

  • Before starting his drawing, he verified the straight lines with a straightedge.
  • The carpenter used a straightedge to ensure the board was cut correctly.

Examples of usage

  • The students went to see the school ruler.
  • She used a ruler to measure the length of the paper.
  • The ruler is made of durable material.
Context #3 | Noun

device

A device used for measuring length, straightness, or angles. A person who rules or governs.

Synonyms

controller, instrument, measuring tool.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ruler

Refers to a person who governs or leads a country, region or organization.

  • The ruler of the kingdom made a significant decision regarding the new laws
  • History books often describe the lives of ancient rulers
measuring tool

A general term for any device used to determine dimensions, quantities, or capacity. Common in various industries like construction or cooking.

  • The chef used a measuring tool to get the exact amount of ingredients
  • The engineer measured the distance with a sophisticated measuring tool
instrument

Used for precision tools or devices, often found in scientific, musical, or medical contexts.

  • The scientist carefully calibrated the instrument before beginning the experiment
  • The musician played a beautiful tune on her instrument
controller

Used to describe a person or device that manages or regulates a system, often found in gaming, technology, or administrative contexts.

  • He used a game controller to navigate through the levels
  • The traffic controller managed the flow of vehicles during rush hour

Examples of usage

  • The carpenter used a ruler to measure the wood.
  • The ruler has both inches and centimeters marked on it.
  • She is a strict ruler when it comes to discipline.

Translations

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

Origin of 'ruler'

The word 'ruler' originated from Old French 'reule' meaning 'rule, principle, regulation', which came from Latin 'regula' meaning 'rule, straight stick'. The concept of rulers for measurement and governance has been integral to human civilization for centuries, evolving from simple sticks to precise instruments. Today, rulers are essential tools in various fields, symbolizing both authority and precision.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,208 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.