legislation
lej-is-LAY-shun
/ˌlɛdʒɪsˈleɪʃən/
Laws, considered collectively; the process of making or enacting laws.
Can refer to the body of laws already in existence or the act of creating new laws.
The story behind the word. The word 'legislation' comes from the Latin 'legislatio,' meaning 'the proposing of a law.' It's a combination of 'lex' (law) and 'latio' (a bringing, proposing), which comes from 'ferre' (to bear, carry, propose). So, legislation is literally the 'bringing forth' or 'proposing' of laws.
Word relationships
- laws: More general; 'legislation' specifically refers to laws created by a legislature.
- statutes: Refers to individual written laws, whereas 'legislation' can be collective or refer to the process.
Word family
- legislative (adjective): Having the power to make laws.
- legislator (noun): A person who makes laws; a member of a legislature.
- legislate (verb): To make or enact laws.
Collocations
- pass legislation
- introduce legislation
- amend legislation
- social legislation
- environmental legislation
Example sentences
- "The new environmental legislation aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% over the next decade." Referring to the body of laws.
- "The government is currently engaged in the complex process of drafting new legislation to address economic inequality." Referring to the process of lawmaking.
Memory hook
Think of the 'LEG'islature 'SLAYING' old problems by creating new laws. LEG-IS-LATION. Legislature slays problems.
When not to use
Do not use 'legislation' to refer to a single specific law; for that, 'statute' or 'act' is more appropriate. 'Legislation' is usually collective or refers to the process.
Fun facts
- The term 'lame duck legislation' refers to laws passed by a legislature after an election but before the new body takes office, often by members who were not re-elected.
- In parliamentary systems, 'private member's legislation' refers to bills introduced by individual members of parliament, rather than by the government.
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