Definition of rule

What does the word rule mean? Find synonyms, antonyms and the meaning of the word rule in our free online dictionary! Find words starting with rule and anagrams of rule.
Lookup rule in the Scrabble Dictionary

rule - 20 definitions

- noun
1. rule -- a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior; "it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast"; "short haircuts were the regulation"
synonyms: regulation
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
2. convention -- something regarded as a normative example; "the convention of not naming the main character"; "violence is the rule not the exception"; "his formula for impressing visitors"
synonyms: convention, normal, pattern, formula
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
3. rule -- prescribed guide for conduct or action
synonyms: prescript
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
4. rule -- (linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
synonyms: linguistic rule
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
5. 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"
synonyms: principle
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
6. rule -- the duration of a monarch's or government's power; "during the rule of Elizabeth"
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
7. dominion -- dominance or power through legal authority; "France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa"; "the rule of Caesar"
synonyms: dominion
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
8. rule -- directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted; "he knew the rules of chess"
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
9. 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"
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
10. 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 jet propulsion"; "the right-hand rule for inductive fields"
synonyms: principle
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
11. rule -- (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems; "he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs"; "he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials"
synonyms: formula
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
12. rule -- 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
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
- verb
13. govern -- exercise authority over; as of nations; "Who is governing the country now?"
synonyms: govern
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
14. rule -- decide with authority; "The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed"
synonyms: decree
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
15. predominate -- be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance; "Money reigns supreme here"; "Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood"
synonyms: predominate, dominate, reign, prevail
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
16. rule -- decide on and make a declaration about; "find someone guilty"
synonyms: find
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
17. rule -- have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
18. rule -- mark or draw with a ruler; "rule the margins"
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
19. rule -- keep in check; "rule one's temper"
synonyms: harness, rein
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
20. rule, ruled -- to exercise control over
synonyms: ruled, rules, rulable, unruled
Source:OWL 2 Web Ontology Language
 
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