rule

/ɹˈul/ · 1 syllable

Meaning

noun

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
“it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast”
something regarded as a normative example
“the convention of not naming the main character”
prescribed guide for conduct or action
(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
“their principles of composition characterized all their works”
the duration of a monarch's or government's power
“during the rule of Elizabeth”
dominance or power through legal authority
“France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa”
directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted
“he knew the rules of chess”
any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order
“the rule of St. Dominic”
a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
“the principle of the conservation of mass”
(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
“he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs”
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

exercise authority over; as of nations
“Who is governing the country now?”
decide with authority
“The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed”
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
“Money reigns supreme here”
decide on and make a declaration about
“find someone guilty”
have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac
mark or draw with a ruler
“rule the margins”
keep in check
“rule one's temper”

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