decree
dih-KREE
/dɪˈkriː/
An official order issued by a legal authority; to order something officially.
Carries a dramatic, absolute, and sometimes unilateral tone, often associated with monarchs, dictators, or high courts.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'decretum' (decided, decreed), which comes from 'decernere' (to decide, literally 'to sift or separate thoroughly' using the prefix 'de-' and 'cernere', to sift). It reflects the process of separating options to make a final, absolute decision.
Word relationships
- edict: An 'edict' is a formal public command issued by an authority, almost identical to 'decree' but often more religious or ancient in tone.
- proclamation: A 'proclamation' is an official public announcement, which may or may not carry the force of law, whereas a 'decree' always does.
- petition: A 'petition' is a formal request from citizens to an authority, whereas a 'decree' is a command from an authority to citizens.
- repeal: A 'repeal' is the official cancellation of a law or decree.
Commonly confused with
- degree: 'Degree' refers to a unit of measurement or an academic qualification, while 'decree' is an official law or order.
Word family
- decreetal (noun): A decree, especially a papal letter containing a ruling on a point of canon law.
Collocations
- royal decree
- presidential decree
- decree of divorce
- consent decree
Idioms & expressions
- by decree
Example sentences
- "The king issued a royal decree declaring a national day of celebration." A historical narrative about royal power.
- "The court's final decree settled the long-standing property dispute between the two estates." A modern judicial ruling.
Memory hook
The 'decree' was written on a 'degree' scroll by the king. A decision sifted and set in stone.
When not to use
Avoid in casual, democratic, or highly collaborative environments where decisions are made by consensus.
Fun facts
- In French history, the 'Decrets' were laws passed by the revolutionary government that bypassed traditional parliamentary debate, emphasizing the unilateral nature of the word.
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