/ English Dictionary

RULE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths

Synonyms:

rule; ruler

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("rule" is a kind of...):

measure; measuring rod; measuring stick (measuring instrument having a sequence of marks at regular intervals; used as a reference in making measurements)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "rule"):

carpenter's rule (a rule used by a carpenter)

foot rule (a ruler one foot long)

meterstick; metrestick (a rule one meter long (usually marked off in centimeters and millimeters))

yard measure; yardstick (a ruler or tape that is three feet long)

Derivation:

rule (mark or draw with a ruler)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Something regarded as a normative example

Example:

his formula for impressing visitors

Synonyms:

convention; formula; normal; pattern; rule

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("rule" is a kind of...):

practice (knowledge of how something is usually done)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "rule"):

mores ((sociology) the conventions that embody the fundamental values of a group)

code of behavior; code of conduct (a set of conventional principles and expectations that are considered binding on any person who is a member of a particular group)

universal (a behavioral convention or pattern characteristic of all members of a particular culture or of all human beings)

Sense 3

Meaning:

A principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

Example:

short haircuts were the regulation

Synonyms:

regulation; rule

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("rule" is a kind of...):

concept; conception; construct (an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "rule"):

working principle; working rule (a rule that is adequate to permit work to be done)

cy pres; cy pres doctrine; rule of cy pres (a rule that when literal compliance is impossible the intention of a donor or testator should be carried out as nearly as possible)

guideline; guidepost; rule of thumb (a rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior)

limitation; restriction (a principle that limits the extent of something)

Sense 4

Meaning:

(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems

Example:

he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials

Synonyms:

formula; rule

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("rule" is a kind of...):

procedure; process (a particular course of action intended to achieve a result)

Domain category:

math; mathematics; maths (a science (or group of related sciences) dealing with the logic of quantity and shape and arrangement)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "rule"):

metarule (a rule that describes how other rules should be used (as in AI))

algorithm; algorithmic program; algorithmic rule (a precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem)

heuristic; heuristic program; heuristic rule (a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem)

recursion ((mathematics) an expression such that each term is generated by repeating a particular mathematical operation)

Sense 5

Meaning:

A rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system

Example:

the right-hand rule for inductive fields

Synonyms:

principle; rule

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("rule" is a kind of...):

law; law of nature (a generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "rule"):

localisation; localisation of function; localisation principle; localization; localization of function; localization principle ((physiology) the principle that specific functions have relatively circumscribed locations in some particular part or organ of the body)

mass-action principle; mass action ((neurology) the principle that the cortex of the brain operates as a coordinated system with large masses of neural tissue involved in all complex functioning)

principle of superposition; superposition; superposition principle ((geology) the principle that in a series of stratified sedimentary rocks the lowest stratum is the oldest)

Huygens' principle of superposition; principle of superposition (the displacement of any point due to the superposition of wave systems is equal to the sum of the displacements of the individual waves at that point)

principle of liquid displacement ((hydrostatics) the volume of a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the volume of the displaced fluid)

principle of equivalence ((physics) the principle that an observer has no way of distinguishing whether his laboratory is in a uniform gravitational field or is in an accelerated frame of reference)

law of parsimony; Occam's Razor; Ockham's Razor; principle of parsimony (the principle that entities should not be multiplied needlessly; the simplest of two competing theories is to be preferred)

Naegele's rule (rule for calculating an expected delivery date; subtract three months from the first day of the last menstrual period and add seven days to that date)

mass-energy equivalence ((physics) the principle that a measured quantity of mass is equivalent (according to relativity theory) to a measured quantity of energy)

Gresham's Law ((economics) the principle that when two kinds of money having the same denominational value are in circulation the intrinsically more valuable money will be hoarded and the money of lower intrinsic value will circulate more freely until the intrinsically more valuable money is driven out of circulation; bad money drives out good; credited to Sir Thomas Gresham)

Le Chatelier's law; Le Chatelier's principle; Le Chatelier-Braun principle; Le Chatelier principle (the principle that if any change is imposed on a system that is in equilibrium then the system tends to adjust to a new equilibrium counteracting the change)

Gestalt law of organization; Gestalt principle of organization (a principle of Gestalt psychology that identifies factors leading to particular forms of perceptual organization)

Sense 6

Meaning:

A basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

Example:

their principles of composition characterized all their works

Synonyms:

principle; rule

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("rule" is a kind of...):

generalisation; generality; generalization (an idea or conclusion having general application)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "rule"):

pillar (a fundamental principle or practice)

yang (the bright positive masculine principle in Chinese dualistic cosmology)

yin (the dark negative feminine principle in Chinese dualistic cosmology)

feng shui (rules in Chinese philosophy that govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to patterns of yin and yang and the flow of energy (qi); the favorable or unfavorable effects are taken into consideration in designing and siting buildings and graves and furniture)

Sense 7

Meaning:

Any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order

Example:

the rule of St. Dominic

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("rule" is a kind of...):

direction; instruction (a message describing how something is to be done)

Sense 8

Meaning:

Prescribed guide for conduct or action

Synonyms:

prescript; rule

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("rule" is a kind of...):

direction; instruction (a message describing how something is to be done)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "rule"):

communications protocol; protocol ((computer science) rules determining the format and transmission of data)

etiquette (rules governing socially acceptable behavior)

canon (a rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field of art or philosophy)

ordinance; regulation; dictate (an authoritative rule)

GIGO ((computer science) a rule stating that the quality of the output is a function of the quality of the input; put garbage in and you get garbage out)

golden rule (any important rule)

precept; principle (rule of personal conduct)

Miranda rule (the rule that police (when interrogating you after an arrest) are obliged to warn you that anything you say may be used as evidence and to read you your constitutional rights (the right to a lawyer and the right to remain silent until advised by a lawyer))

rule of evidence ((law) a rule of law whereby any alleged matter of fact that is submitted for investigation at a judicial trial is established or disproved)

order; parliamentary law; parliamentary procedure; rules of order (a body of rules followed by an assembly)

rubric (an authoritative rule of conduct or procedure)

bylaw (a rule adopted by an organization in order to regulate its own affairs and the behavior of its members)

Holonyms ("rule" is a part of...):

book; rule book (a collection of rules or prescribed standards on the basis of which decisions are made)

Derivation:

rule (decide with authority)

Sense 9

Meaning:

Directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted

Example:

he knew the rules of chess

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("rule" is a kind of...):

direction; instruction (a message describing how something is to be done)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "rule"):

ground rule ((baseball) a special rule (as in baseball) dealing with situations that arise due to the nature of the playing grounds)

Holonyms ("rule" is a part of...):

book; rule book (a collection of rules or prescribed standards on the basis of which decisions are made)

Sense 10

Meaning:

(linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice

Synonyms:

linguistic rule; rule

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("rule" is a kind of...):

concept; conception; construct (an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances)

Domain category:

linguistics (the scientific study of language)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "rule"):

linguistic universal; universal ((linguistics) a grammatical rule (or other linguistic feature) that is found in all languages)

grammatical rule; rule of grammar (a linguistic rule for the syntax of grammatical utterances)

morphological rule; rule of morphology (a linguistic rule for the formation of words)

Sense 11

Meaning:

Dominance or power through legal authority

Example:

the rule of Caesar

Synonyms:

dominion; rule

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Hypernyms ("rule" is a kind of...):

ascendance; ascendancy; ascendence; ascendency; control; dominance (the state that exists when one person or group has power over another)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "rule"):

suzerainty (the position or authority of a suzerain)

reign; sovereignty (royal authority; the dominion of a monarch)

raj (British dominion over India (1757-1947))

paramountcy (the state of being paramount; the highest rank or authority)

Derivation:

rule (exercise authority over; as of nations)

Sense 12

Meaning:

The duration of a monarch's or government's power

Example:

during the rule of Elizabeth

Classified under:

Nouns denoting time and temporal relations

Hypernyms ("rule" is a kind of...):

continuance; duration (the period of time during which something continues)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "rule"):

regency (the period of time during which a regent governs)

Instance hyponyms:

Regency (the period from 1811-1820 when the Prince of Wales was regent during George III's periods of insanity)

Derivation:

rule (exercise authority over; as of nations)

 II. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Keep in check

Example:

rule one's temper

Synonyms:

harness; rein; rule

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "rule" is one way to...):

hold back; keep; keep back; restrain (prevent the action or expression of)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s something

Sense 2

Meaning:

Decide with authority

Example:

The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed

Synonyms:

decree; rule

Classified under:

Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting

Hypernyms (to "rule" is one way to...):

decide; determine; make up one's mind (reach, make, or come to a decision about something)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "rule"):

override; overrule; overthrow; overturn; reverse (rule against)

rule in; rule out (include or exclude by determining judicially or in agreement with rules)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s that CLAUSE

Also:

rule out (make impossible, especially beforehand)

Derivation:

rule (prescribed guide for conduct or action)

ruler (a person who rules or commands)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Decide on and make a declaration about

Example:

find someone guilty

Synonyms:

find; rule

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Hypernyms (to "rule" is one way to...):

judge; label; pronounce (pronounce judgment on)

Verb group:

feel; find (come to believe on the basis of emotion, intuitions, or indefinite grounds)

Sentence frames:

Something ----s something Adjective/Noun
Somebody ----s PP

Derivation:

ruling (the reason for a court's judgment (as opposed to the decision itself))

Sense 4

Meaning:

Mark or draw with a ruler

Example:

rule the margins

Classified under:

Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing

Hypernyms (to "rule" is one way to...):

draw (represent by making a drawing of, as with a pencil, chalk, etc. on a surface)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

rule; ruler (measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths)

Sense 5

Meaning:

Exercise authority over; as of nations

Example:

Who is governing the country now?

Synonyms:

govern; rule

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Hypernyms (to "rule" is one way to...):

command; control (exercise authoritative control or power over)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "rule"):

throne (sit on the throne as a ruler)

misgovern (govern badly)

dictate (rule as a dictator)

reign (have sovereign power)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

rule (dominance or power through legal authority)

rule (the duration of a monarch's or government's power)

ruler (a person who rules or commands)

Sense 6

Meaning:

Be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

Example:

Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood

Synonyms:

dominate; predominate; prevail; reign; rule

Classified under:

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "rule"):

override (prevail over)

overarch (be central or dominant)

outbalance; outweigh; overbalance; preponderate (weigh more heavily)

Sentence frames:

Something ----s
Somebody ----s
Something is ----ing PP
Somebody ----s PP

Sense 7

Meaning:

Have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac

Classified under:

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations

Hypernyms (to "rule" is one way to...):

accompany; attach to; come with; go with (be present or associated with an event or entity)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s something

Credits

 Context examples: 

A finding about one or more characteristics of ampulla of Vater cancer, following the rules of the TNM AJCC v7 classification system.

(Ampulla of Vater Cancer TNM Finding v7, NCI Thesaurus)

A clinical finding about one or more characteristics of mucosal melanoma of the head and neck, following the rules of the TNM AJCC v7 classification system.

(Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck Clinical TNM Finding v7, NCI Thesaurus)

A finding about one or more characteristics of adenosarcoma, following the rules of the TNM AJCC v7 classification system.

(Adenosarcoma TNM Finding v7, NCI Thesaurus)

It is the first rule of criminal investigation.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

They do not know, as a rule, the things known by the persons who are doing something in the world.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Then Saturn will need to return to Capricorn, the sign it rules, from July 1 until December 16, 2020.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

It is a rule with me, that a person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

She took no liquid, as there was a water-tap in the stables, and it was the rule that the lad on duty should drink nothing else.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

They are, Miss Eyre, though they absolutely require a new statute: unheard-of combinations of circumstances demand unheard-of rules.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Of his own choice, he came in to sit by man's fire and to be ruled by him.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

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