edict

Definitions

e- (ex-, out) + dict (say) = something 'said out,' proclaimed publicly. A Roman magistrate's edictum was an order spoken out for all to obey. An edict is thus a command issued from above, with no discussion.

Why It Means This

edict captures the prefix system at its cleanest: e- 'out' + dict 'say.' Where a verdict is the truth said by a jury, an edict is an order said out by a ruler. The word still carries that top-down, take-it-or-leave-it tone.

Common Collocations

• 1.royal edict皇家敕令
• 2.issue an edict颁布法令
• 3.imperial edict帝国诏令

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The king issued an edict banning all public gatherings.

• 2.

  Employees grumbled about the new edict from head office.