rule
Definitions
An accepted principle or instruction that states what is allowed or required
规则；规定；准则
Control or government over a country or people
统治；管辖
A strip of wood, metal, or plastic with measurements, used for drawing straight lines or measuring; a ruler
尺；直尺
To govern or have control over a country or people
统治；管辖
To make an official decision, especially in a court of law
裁定；裁决
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedrule is the worn-down English form of Latin rēgula (a straight measuring stick), which came from regere 'to guide straight, to govern.' Because regere meant both 'keep straight' and 'rule a kingdom,' the English word carries both: a rule is a standard to follow, and to rule is to govern. The literal sense survives in the carpenter's rule — a measuring stick.
Root regul still carries 9 more wordsUsage Guide
- rule (n.) = a regulation: break the rules, follow the rules, against the rules.
- rule (n.) = governing: under British rule, military rule — uncountable here.
- rule (v.) = govern: a king rules; can be intransitive (rule over) or transitive (rule the country).
- rule (v.) = decide officially: the court ruled, rule in favor of, rule something out (= exclude).
- Common idioms: as a rule (= usually), rule of thumb (= rough guideline), the exception that proves the rule.
Example Sentences
- 1.
You can't change the rules in the middle of the game.
- 2.
Read the safety rules carefully before using the machine.
- 3.
For nearly two centuries the islands were under colonial rule.
- 4.
The queen ruled the country for over fifty years.
- 5.
The judge ruled that the evidence was not admissible.
Easily Confused
rule vs law vs regulation — A law is enacted by a government and legally binding nationwide. A regulation is a detailed official rule issued under a law, usually by an agency. A rule is the broadest and most everyday word — it can be a game rule, a house rule, or a workplace rule, with no need for any legal authority. You break the rules of chess, not the laws of chess.