Dictionary
English - Chinese

Law

Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

法律, 法则, 规律, 条款, 规定

Law meanings in Chinese

法律

Example:
Everyone must obey the law.
每个人都必须遵守法律。
He studied law at university.
他在大学学习法律。
Usage: formalContext: Legal discussions, academic settings, governmental contexts.
Note: ‘法律’ refers to the system of rules that a society or government develops to deal with crime, business agreements, and social relationships.

法则

Example:
The law of gravity is fundamental in physics.
重力法则是物理学中的基本法则。
He believes in the law of attraction.
他相信吸引法则。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Scientific discussions, philosophical contexts, everyday conversation.
Note: ‘法则’ refers to a principle or rule that describes a natural phenomenon or a general truth.

规律

Example:
There is a law of supply and demand in economics.
经济学中有供需规律。
Understanding the laws of nature is essential for scientists.
理解自然规律对科学家来说至关重要。
Usage: formalContext: Scientific, academic, and research discussions.
Note: ‘规律’ often implies a consistent pattern or regularity observed in nature or society.

条款

Example:
The contract contains a law regarding liability.
合同中包含一项关于责任的条款。
Please review the laws of the agreement carefully.
请仔细查看协议的条款。
Usage: formalContext: Legal documents, contracts, agreements.
Note: ‘条款’ refers to specific provisions or stipulations within a legal document.

规定

Example:
There are laws regulating the use of public spaces.
有规定管理公共空间的使用。
He violated several laws in his business practices.
他的商业行为违反了几项规定。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Regulatory environments, business practices, social norms.
Note: ‘规定’ refers to rules or regulations that govern behavior or procedures.

Law's synonyms

regulation

Regulation refers to a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
Example: The new regulation prohibits smoking in public places.
Note: While laws are generally broader and more comprehensive, regulations are specific rules that support the enforcement of laws.

statute

A statute is a formal written enactment of a legislative body, governing a specific area of law.
Example: The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is two years.
Note: Statutes are specific laws enacted by a legislative body, while 'law' can refer to a broader concept of rules and regulations.

legislation

Legislation refers to the process of making or enacting laws through a legislative body.
Example: The government is planning to introduce new legislation on environmental protection.
Note: Law refers to the system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members, while legislation specifically pertains to the process of creating laws.

Law expressions, common phrases

Break the law

To violate or disobey laws and regulations.
Example: He was arrested for breaking the law by speeding.
Note: The phrase refers to violating specific laws, while 'law' itself is the general concept of rules and regulations.

Law and order

Refers to the maintenance of peace and obedience to laws within a society.
Example: The politician campaigned on a platform of law and order.
Note: This phrase emphasizes both the legal system and social stability, whereas 'law' on its own refers to regulations.

Above the law

Believing or behaving as if one is exempt from the laws that apply to everyone else.
Example: Some people think that celebrities act as if they are above the law.
Note: This phrase implies a sense of privilege or exemption from legal consequences, unlike the general concept of 'law.'

Law of the land

The principle that the rules and regulations established by the government are the highest authority within a country.
Example: The constitution is considered the law of the land in many countries.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to the legal framework established by the government as the highest authority, distinct from the broader concept of 'law.'

Letter of the law

Strict adherence to the literal interpretation of laws rather than their spirit or intention.
Example: The lawyer argued that his client had not violated the letter of the law.
Note: This phrase focuses on the literal interpretation of laws, contrasting with the broader concept of 'law' as a system of regulations.

Law unto oneself

Acting independently and making one's own rules without regard for external authority.
Example: He always does what he wants; he's a law unto himself.
Note: This phrase implies a sense of autonomy and self-determination, distinct from the general concept of 'law' as external rules and regulations.

Law of averages

The theory that outcomes will eventually balance out over a series of events.
Example: Over time, things tend to even out due to the law of averages.
Note: This phrase refers to a statistical concept of probability, in contrast to the legal framework denoted by the word 'law.'

Law everyday (slang) expressions

Get off scot-free

To escape punishment or consequences for wrongdoing, especially without being expected to.
Example: The rich businessman got off scot-free after being accused of tax evasion.
Note: This term originates from the Middle English word 'scot,' meaning a tax or payment, and 'scot-free' referred to not having to pay the required fee or tax, eventually evolving to signify escaping without penalty.

Run afoul of the law

To come into conflict or violate the law; to break the law.
Example: He ran afoul of the law when he was caught shoplifting at the mall.
Note: This phrase suggests a more active involvement in breaking the law and facing consequences rather than simply abiding by it.

Skate on thin ice

To be in a risky or precarious situation, especially related to legality or rules.
Example: He's been skating on thin ice by driving without a valid driver's license.
Note: This expression implies that someone is pushing boundaries or engaging in risky behavior that could lead to legal trouble or consequences.

Wiggle room

Margin for flexibility or negotiation within the boundaries of a law or agreement.
Example: The legal contract allows for some wiggle room in interpreting the clauses.
Note: In legal contexts, 'wiggle room' refers to the space or freedom within which interpretation or maneuvering is possible without directly violating the law or contract.

Loop the law

To find loopholes or exploit ambiguities in the law to gain an advantage or avoid compliance.
Example: Some corporations try to loop the law to avoid paying taxes.
Note: This term reflects a strategic and sometimes unethical practice of finding ways to bypass the intended legal restrictions or obligations.

Law - Examples

The law requires all citizens to pay taxes.
法律要求所有公民缴纳税款。
The company was fined for breaking the law.
该公司因违反法律而被罚款。
It is important to uphold the rule of law in a democratic society.
在民主社会中,维护法治是重要的。

Law grammar

Law - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: law
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): laws, law
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): law
Syllables, Separation and Stress
law Contains 1 syllables: law
Phonetic transcription: ˈlȯ
law , ˈlȯ (The red syllable is stressed)

Law - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
law: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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