Meaning of 'rule'

noun

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: ruler

noun

something regarded as a normative example

Synonyms: pattern

noun

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

Example: "It was their rule to take a walk before breakfast."

Synonyms: regulation

noun

a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems

Example: "The student determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs."

Synonyms: formula

noun

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

Synonyms: principle

noun

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

Synonyms: principle

noun

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"

noun

prescribed guide for conduct or action

Synonyms: prescript

noun

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

Example: "I know the rules of chess."

noun

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

Synonyms: linguistic rule

noun

dominance or power through legal authority

Synonyms: dominion

noun

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

Example: "during the rule of Elizabeth"

verb

keep in check

Example: "rule one's temper"

Synonyms: harness

verb

decide with authority

Synonyms: decree

verb

decide on and make a declaration about

Synonyms: find

verb

mark or draw with a ruler

Example: "rule the margins"

verb

exercise authority over

Synonyms: govern

verb

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

Synonyms: predominate

verb

have an affinity with