commandment
kuh-MAND-muhnt
/kəˈmɑːnd.mənt/
A divine rule or authoritative instruction that must be strictly obeyed.
Unlike a simple command, a commandment carries a sense of permanent, solemn, and often divine authority.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin 'commendare', which originally meant 'to commit to someone's charge' or 'to entrust'. Over time, in Vulgar Latin, it shifted to 'commandare', meaning 'to order'. A commandment is therefore not just an order, but a solemn instruction entrusted to a community for their safekeeping.
Word relationships
- edict: An edict is a decree issued by a secular ruler, whereas a commandment usually implies a divine or moral authority.
- mandate: A mandate is an official commission or authority given to a government, while a commandment is a direct rule to be followed.
- suggestion: A suggestion is a non-binding idea, whereas a commandment is a strict, mandatory rule.
Commonly confused with
- command: A command is a specific, immediate order, while a commandment is a permanent, overarching moral or religious law.
Word family
- command (verb): To give an authoritative order.
- commander (noun): A person who exercises authority or command.
Collocations
- ten commandments
- divine commandment
- keep a commandment
- break a commandment
Example sentences
- "The ancient stone tablets were inscribed with each commandment that the people were expected to follow." A description of ancient religious artifacts.
- "In creative writing classes, the first commandment is often to show rather than tell." A secular application of the term in writing advice.
Memory hook
Think of a 'command' that is 'mandatory' (command-ment). It is an absolute rule that cannot be ignored. A command that is mandatory.
When not to use
Do not use for casual instructions or everyday orders given by a boss or parent, which are simply 'commands' or 'instructions'.
Fun facts
- While most famous for the Biblical Ten Commandments, the word is used in modern secular contexts to describe any foundational, unbreakable rule of a craft or profession.
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