rule
rule /ˈruːl/
noun
-
(
)
Something regarded as a normative example
(
normal
, formula
, convention
, pattern
, rule
)
something regarded as a normative example
The convention of not naming the main character
the convention of not naming the main character
Violence is the rule not the exception
violence is the rule not the exception
His formula for impressing visitors
his formula for impressing visitors
-
()
A principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
(
regulation
, rule
)
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
It was his rule to take a walk before breakfast
it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast
Short haircuts were the regulation
short haircuts were the regulation
-
()
Prescribed guide for conduct or action
(
prescript
, rule
)
prescribed guide for conduct or action
-
()
(linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
(
linguistic rule
, rule
)
(linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
-
()
A basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
(
rule
, principle
)
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
Their principles of composition characterized all their works
their principles of composition characterized all their works
-
Measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood, metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths
(
rule
, ruler
)
measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood, metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths
I use a ruler to draw straight lines in my notebooks
I use a ruler to draw straight lines in my notebooks
-
(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
(
formula
, rule
)
(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
He determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs
he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs
He gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials
he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials
-
A rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
(
rule
, principle
)
a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
The principle of the conservation of mass
the principle of the conservation of mass
The principle of jet propulsion
the principle of jet propulsion
The right-hand rule for inductive fields
the right-hand rule for inductive fields
-
Any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order
(
rule
)
any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order
The rule of St. Dominic
the rule of St. Dominic
-
Directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted
(
rule
)
directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted
He knew the rules of chess
he knew the rules of chess
-
Dominance or power through legal authority
(
rule
, dominion
)
dominance or power through legal authority
France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa
France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa
The rule of Caesar
the rule of Caesar
-
The duration of a monarch's or government's power
(
rule
)
the duration of a monarch's or government's power
During the rule of Elizabeth
during the rule of Elizabeth
verb
-
()
Exercise authority over; as of nations
(
govern
, rule
)
exercise authority over; as of nations
Who is governing the country now?
Who is governing the country now?
-
()
Decide with authority
(
decree
, rule
)
decide with authority
The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed
The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed
-
()
Be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
(
reign
, predominate
, rule
, dominate
, prevail
)
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
Money reigns supreme here
Money reigns supreme here
Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood
Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood
-
()
Decide on and make a declaration about
(
rule
, find
)
decide on and make a declaration about
Find someone guilty
find someone guilty
-
Keep in check
(
harness
, rein
, rule
)
keep in check
Rule one's temper
rule one's temper
-
Mark or draw with a ruler
(
rule
)
mark or draw with a ruler
Rule the margins
rule the margins
-
Have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac
(
rule
)
have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac
