Dictionary monolingual
English
Law
lɔ
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.
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.
Law -
A system of rules and regulations enforced by a governing authority, typically involving legal consequences for non-compliance.
Example: It is against the law to drive over the speed limit.
Usage: formalContext: legal discussions, official documents
Note: This is the primary and most common meaning of 'law' referring to regulations set by a government or authority.
A rule or principle that is universally recognized as being fundamental or essential.
Example: The law of supply and demand dictates the pricing of goods.
Usage: formalContext: academic or philosophical discourse
Note: In this context, 'law' refers to a fundamental principle or rule that governs a particular phenomenon or system.
The profession or study of law, legal principles, and legal systems.
Example: She decided to pursue a career in law.
Usage: formalContext: discussions about professions or education
Note: When used in this sense, 'law' refers to the field of legal studies or the practice of law as a profession.
A particular set of rules or principles established by an organization or institution.
Example: The company has strict laws regarding employee conduct.
Usage: formalContext: corporate policies, organizational rules
Note: This meaning of 'law' is often used to describe internal regulations within a specific entity.
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.
The company was fined for breaking the law.
It is important to uphold the rule of law in a democratic society.
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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