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Rule   /rul/   Listen
Rule

noun
1.
A principle or condition that customarily governs behavior.  Synonym: regulation.  "Short haircuts were the regulation"
2.
Something regarded as a normative example.  Synonyms: convention, formula, normal, pattern.  "Violence is the rule not the exception" , "His formula for impressing visitors"
3.
Prescribed guide for conduct or action.  Synonym: prescript.
4.
(linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice.  Synonym: linguistic rule.
5.
A basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct.  Synonym: principle.
6.
The duration of a monarch's or government's power.
7.
Dominance or power through legal authority.  Synonym: dominion.  "The rule of Caesar"
8.
Directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted.
9.
Any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order.
10.
A rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system.  Synonym: principle.  "The principle of jet propulsion" , "The right-hand rule for inductive fields"
11.
(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems.  Synonym: formula.  "He gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials"
12.
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.  Synonym: ruler.
verb
(past & past part. ruled; pres. part. ruling)
1.
Exercise authority over; as of nations.  Synonym: govern.
2.
Decide with authority.  Synonym: decree.
3.
Be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance.  Synonyms: dominate, predominate, prevail, reign.  "Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood"
4.
Decide on and make a declaration about.  Synonym: find.
5.
Have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac.
6.
Mark or draw with a ruler.
7.
Keep in check.  Synonyms: harness, rein.



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WordNet 3.0 © 2010 Princeton University


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"Rule" Quotes from Famous Books



... recalled the saying that a woman may keep her age out of her face, but her hands will betray her. Mrs. Honoria's hands were still young; they looked almost as young as Patricia's, he decided. At the comparison he broke over the rule of silence. ...
— The Honorable Senator Sage-Brush • Francis Lynde
... ye Gods! grant that this, my son, may like me be foremost to fight among the Trojans, and rule as a king in Ilium; so that men may say, 'He is far ...
— The Children's Hour, Volume 3 (of 10) • Various
... As a general rule, excepting girls who are employed in the business houses of the downtown section of the city, but few females frequent the ...
— The Bradys and the Girl Smuggler - or, Working for the Custom House • Francis W. Doughty
... and opened when he heard his master's footsteps on the landing. As a rule, he went to bed, if Malipieri went out in the evening; both men were usually tired out ...
— The Heart of Rome • Francis Marion Crawford
... order, with counsel for defence and ample opportunity to call witnesses, went on briskly. Those who anticipated more hangings were disappointed. It became known that the committee had set for itself the rule that capital punishment would be inflicted only for crimes so punishable by the regular law. But each outgoing ship carried crowds of those on whom had been passed the sentence of banishment. The majority of these were, of course, low thugs, "Sydney ducks," hangers on; but a very ...
— The Gray Dawn • Stewart Edward White


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