Antonyms for rule


Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : rool
Phonetic Transcription : rul


Definition of rule

Origin :
  • c.1200, "principle or maxim governing conduct, formula to which conduct must be conformed" from Old French riule, Norman reule "rule, custom, (religious) order" (in Modern French partially re-Latinized as règle), from Vulgar Latin *regula, from Latin regula "straight stick, bar, ruler;" figuratively "a pattern, a model," related to regere "to rule, straighten, guide" (see regal). Replaced Old English wealdan.
  • Meaning "regulation governing play of a game, etc." is from 1690s. Phrase rule of thumb first attested 1690s. Rule of law "supremacy of impartial and well-defined laws to any individual's power" is from 1883. Meaning "strip used for making straight lines or measuring" is recorded from mid-14c. Typography sense is attested from 1680s.
  • noun standard, principle of behavior
  • noun leadership of organization
  • noun method, way
  • verb govern, manage
  • verb judge, decide
Example sentences :
  • But the Lacedæmonians make it a rule never to speak of danger from their slaves.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • "There was one rule in poker your pa had," said Uncle Peter.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • The effort to make them "disgorge" is as continual as it is noisy, and, as a rule, futile.
  • Extract from : « 'Tis Sixty Years Since » by Charles Francis Adams
  • In a republic the first rule for the guidance of the citizen is obedience to law.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • But I told him, I would judge him by his own rule—by his actions, not by his professions.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • This hope—this supreme aspiration—must rule the way we live.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • It decrees that we, the people, elect leaders not to rule but to serve.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • But as we are such near neighbors I felt that I must break my rule.
  • Extract from : « Life and Death of Harriett Frean » by May Sinclair
  • But he was told, that he must not expect to rule in every thing.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • Also, as a rule, he was weak enough to accept a gift when the stranger parted.
  • Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand

Synonyms for rule

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019