ruler
gb/ɹˈulɚ/ us/ɹˈulɚ/
A1
English
~ 4900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A1
entity
1
Straight tool for measuring length
A flat tool with straight edges used to measure length or make straight lines.
Usage pattern:
to use [a ruler] to measure [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'ruler' with 'rule', which can also mean a regulation or instruction.
Synonyms
measuring stick (Less common term, usually informal or descriptive.)
Collocations
wooden ruler
|plastic ruler
|use a ruler
|draw a line with a ruler
Themes
school
|tools
|geometry
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She used a ruler to draw the table's outline.
- The teacher asked the students to bring a ruler to class.
- This ruler has both inches and centimeters on it.
Learner examples
- I have a ruler in my bag.
- He uses a ruler in math class.
- Please give me your ruler.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Person in charge of a country
A person who leads and controls a country or area.
Usage pattern:
[a ruler] of [a country]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'ruler' (person) with 'rule' (law). Context helps clarify meaning.
Synonyms
leader (More general; can refer to any person in charge, not only political heads.)
|
monarch (Specifically refers to a king, queen, or emperor.)
Antonyms
subject (Refers to someone under the authority of a ruler.)
Collocations
absolute ruler
|benevolent ruler
|ruler of the kingdom
Themes
politics
|history
|law
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The ruler of the small nation was loved by his people.
- Ancient Egypt was governed by powerful rulers.
- She was considered one of the most influential rulers in history.
Learner examples
- The king is the ruler of the land.
- A ruler makes laws for the people.
- The ruler visited the city.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ruler
IPA
GB/ɹˈulɚ/
US/ɹˈulɚ/
Syllables & stress
ruler (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (ruler)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: ruler
- Plural: rulers
Word family
Expressions
the ruler of the roost
1/ðə ɹˈulɚ əv ðə ɹˈust/
idiom
informal
Person in charge in a place
The person who makes decisions and has control in a home or group.
Examples
- In our house, Grandma is the ruler of the roost.
- He likes to think he's the ruler of the roost at work.
rule with an iron fist
1/ɹˈul wˈɪθ ən ˈaɪɚn fˈɪst/
idiom
Govern in a harsh, strict way
To control people in a very strict and often cruel way.
Examples
- The dictator ruled with an iron fist for over 20 years.
- The dictator ruled with an iron fist for more than thirty years.
- She runs her company with an iron fist, allowing no mistakes.
- Managers who rule with an iron fist often face quiet resistance from their teams.