decree

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "decree" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it when you want to refer to an authoritative decision or command issued by a ruler or higher authority. Example Sentence: The King issued a decree that all citizens were to obey the new laws.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

President Poincaré has now extended the prohibition by decree until a Bill can be passed through Parliament in the coming session which will make it permanent.

The Guardian

Related: Fears grow of Greek euro exit after IMF meeting The language in Monday's presidential decree provides an insight into just how tight finances have become for Greece's recently elected anti-austerity government, led by Alexis Tsipras's Syriza.

The Guardian - Business

They argued that laws banning club members from gathering in public, entering clubhouses and wearing their "colours" in licensed premises undermined the court's independence because they relied on a government decree that bikie gangs were "criminal organisations".

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Crimea's prime minister issued a decree forbidding all public demonstrations until 6 June, in an apparent attempt to prevent the annual rally on Sunday commemorating Stalin's deportation of the Tatars in 1944.

The Guardian

The Inquiries Act, in effect, allows ministers to scrutinise their own behaviour, while the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill proposed an extension of law by ministerial decree.

The Guardian - Opinion

Due for release at the end of 2015, Sahnouni was stripped of his French nationality last May by a decree signed by the prime minister, Manuel Valls, and the interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, but he contested the punishment.

The Guardian

It said in a press release that the world's poor would "suffer horribly if reliable energy – the engine of prosperity and a better life – is made more expensive and less reliable by the decree of global planners".

The Guardian

The Greek government has issued a decree forcing public sector bodies to transfer idle cash reserves to the central bank in a sign of how severe the country's cash crunch has become.

The Guardian - Business

The decree also said that Mann's "attitude during the investigation … and his behaviour during the trial and while being held in prison … showed sufficient and credible signs of repentance".

The Guardian

It said the decree would take effect when published "in the national information media".

The Guardian

Buhari passed laws allowing indefinite detention without trial and imposed a decree to restrict press freedom, under which two journalists were jailed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decree", ensure the context involves a formal authority issuing an order. It's not suitable for everyday requests or suggestions.

Common error

Avoid using "decree" in casual conversation or informal writing. Reserve it for situations where an official command or legal order is being described.

Linguistic Context

The word "decree" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an official order or edict issued by a person or body with authority. It can also function as a verb, meaning to command or order by decree, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decree" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term that commonly appears in the realms of news, formal business, and legal contexts. Ludwig's AI confirms its appropriate usage for denoting official commands or rulings by authoritative figures. While interchangeable with terms like "edict" or "ordinance", "decree" adds a layer of formality, emphasizing the weight and legitimacy of the pronouncement. When incorporating "decree" into your writing, ensure it suits the tenor of the context. Avoid informal use; reserve it for official commands. Common related linguistic questions involve the difference between "decree" and related words like "order" and whether it acts as a noun or a verb. Remember, "decree" is fitting for when you need a term that highlights the authoritative nature of a directive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

edict

A formal order or proclamation issued by a person in authority, differing by emphasizing the authoritative and often public nature of the order.

fiat

A formal authorization or proposition; a decree, differing by emphasizing the absolute authority behind the order.

ordinance

An authoritative rule or law; a decree, differing by typically referring to a local or municipal law.

injunction

An authoritative warning or order, differing by being a formal command often issued by a court.

proclamation

An official public announcement, differing by focusing on the act of publicly declaring something.

directive

An official or authoritative instruction, differing by being a specific order that guides action.

ruling

An official decision by a judge or court, differing by specifically relating to legal decisions.

regulation

A rule or principle governing conduct or procedure, differing by focusing on the standardized or controlled aspect of the order.

commandment

A divine rule, differing by implying a religious or moral imperative.

stipulation

A condition or requirement that is specified or demanded as part of an agreement, differing by being a defined term within a larger agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "decree" in a sentence?

You can use "decree" to describe a formal order or command issued by an authority. For example, "The president issued a "decree" to lower taxes".

What can I say instead of "decree"?

You can use alternatives like "edict", "ordinance", or "proclamation" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "decree" a noun or a verb?

"Decree" can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the order itself; as a verb, it means to issue an order. For instance, "The king decreed that all taxes be paid promptly".

What is the difference between "decree" and "order"?

While both "decree" and "order" refer to commands, "decree" typically implies a formal, authoritative, and often legal command issued by a high-ranking authority. "Order" is a more general term and can apply to less formal commands.