Skip to content

rule

/ɹul/noun, verb1 syllable

Rule means: something regarded as a normative example.

Synonyms for rule33

noun, as in something regarded as a normative example

noun, as in a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

noun, as in prescribed guide for conduct or action

prescript

noun, as in (linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice

linguistic rule

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

noun, as in dominance or power through legal authority

noun, as in a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system

noun, as in (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems

noun, as in 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

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

predominate, dominate, reign, prevail

verb, as in decide on and make a declaration about

verb, as in be excellent or outstanding

rock, kick ass, slay

verb, as in keep in check

verb, as in exercise authority over; as of nations

verb, as in decide with authority

also used for rule

r., bang, devour, eat, eat and leave no crumbs, excel, go hard, kick, hold, sanction

Includes material from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

What does rule mean?20

noun

1

something regarded as a normative example“the convention of not naming the main character”

2

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior“it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast”

3

prescribed guide for conduct or action

4

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

5

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”

6

dominance or power through legal authority“France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa”

7

a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system“the principle of the conservation of mass”

8

(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems“he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs”

9

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

10

the duration of a monarch's or government's power“during the rule of Elizabeth”

11

directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted“he knew the rules of chess”

12

any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order“the rule of St. Dominic”

verb

1

be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance“Money reigns supreme here”

2

decide on and make a declaration about“find someone guilty”

3

be excellent or outstanding“I'm enjoying this. I know. This rules!”

4

keep in check“rule one's temper”

5

exercise authority over; as of nations“Who is governing the country now?”

6

decide with authority“The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed”

7

have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac

8

mark or draw with a ruler“rule the margins”

Definitions from the Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

What rhymes with rule?10

two syllables

three syllables

Show 40 near rhymes

Rule in a sentence

  • As a rule, we have three meals a day.unknown
  • As a rule, he arrives at the office about eight-thirty in morning.CM
  • As a rule, it doesn't snow much here.Eldad
  • My father makes it a rule to get up at six, even in winter.unknown
  • The workman, as a rule, works eight hours a day.unknown
  • As a rule, she is an early riser.shekitten
  • As a general rule, it's simple to criticize, but difficult to produce alternative suggestions.blay_paul
  • To cite usage against rule, in a constructed language, is insane.sacredceltic

Sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR, credited to their authors.

Forms of rule

as a noun

plural
rules

as a verb

past tense
ruled
present participle
ruling
third-person singular
rules
past participle
ruled