overrule

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "overrule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone has reversed a decision that has been previously made. For example, "The judge overruled the ruling from the previous court case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It will take us a lot longer to get a good Supreme Court decision if the Court has to overrule itself".

The Economist

It will also give power to any future finance minister to recruit "special managers" who could take over any troubled bank in the future and have the ability to sack directors and overrule shareholders.

The Guardian - Business

Directors may enjoy producing discomfort, but producers overrule them, and history on the screen doesn't come cheap.

The Guardian - Film

789fc7ad-a8c7-412a-86ab-8f2f495d5102 Steven Smith mistiming a pull onto his stumps, Watto storming down the crease in search of another overrule that would never come, the clouds holding off and Stuart Broad dancing in the sunshine: to adapt a line from the Peruvian novelist Mario Vargas Llosa, at what precise moment did Australia fuck itself up?

The Guardian - Sport

The London mayor can overrule councils on major projects but the secretary of state for communities has the final say.

The Guardian - Arts

The Supreme Court has declined to overrule a lower court's ruling that early voting in Ohio should go forward on the weekend before the election.

The Guardian

The other is Mr Fazio's decision to overrule his own staff's opposition to BPI's two bids, and to sign their approvals personally.Mr Fazio is not under investigation for wrongdoing.

The Economist

Its lawyers based this on the Supreme Court's 1977 decision in Abood v Detroit Board of Education, which ruled that government employees can be compelled to pay such fees even if they disagree with the union's policies, in order to maintain "labour peace" and prevent free-riding.Labour leaders and the Obama administration had worried that the court might use this case to overrule Abood.

The Economist

Their job is to uphold a venerable text, which empowers them to overrule any other branch of government.

The Economist

If advocates of gay marriage want to rewrite the rules of an ancient institution in Michigan or Tennessee, they should persuade Michiganders and Tennesseans of the justice of their cause, rather than relying on the courts to overrule the will of the people.In this section Who should govern Britain?

The Economist

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, could, if he chooses, exert pressure on the Guardians, whom he himself appoints, to overrule parliament's decision.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overrule", ensure the context clearly indicates the hierarchy or authority dynamic, showing who has the power to reverse the decision.

Common error

Avoid using "overrule" when you simply mean to disregard something. "Overrule" implies a formal reversal of a decision, whereas ignoring means paying no attention to something.

Linguistic Context

The verb phrase "overrule" functions primarily to indicate the act of reversing or rejecting a prior decision or action, typically by someone in a position of authority. Ludwig AI and the provided examples from The Economist and The Guardian illustrate this function clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overrule" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of reversing a previous decision or action, particularly by someone in authority. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media, formal business, and science contexts. When using "overrule", ensure to clearly define the power dynamics at play and differentiate it from simply ignoring a decision. As Ludwig AI highlights, authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian frequently employ this term, underscoring its relevance in formal discourse. A useful alternative is "override", but remember that "overrule" implies a specific reversal rather than general disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reverse a decision

Focuses specifically on the act of changing a previous decision.

Override

Implies using one's authority to take precedence over someone or something.

Set aside

Suggests temporarily ignoring or cancelling something.

Countermand

Specifically refers to revoking an order.

Rescind

Implies formally withdrawing or cancelling something.

Invalidate

Focuses on making something legally void or ineffective.

Nullify

Similar to invalidate, but emphasizes making something without legal force.

Vacate

Implies cancelling a previous ruling or judgment.

Quash

To reject as unfounded, specially in a legal setting.

Repudiate

Implies rejecting the validity or authority of something.

FAQs

How is "overrule" used in legal contexts?

In law, "overrule" commonly refers to a higher court reversing a decision made by a lower court. This establishes a new precedent that the lower courts must follow.

What is a synonym for "overrule"?

A synonym for "overrule" is "override", which also suggests the use of authority to reject or invalidate a previous action or decision.

When is it appropriate to use "overrule" instead of "disagree"?

"Overrule" should be used when an authority figure is reversing or rejecting a decision. "Disagree" is a more general term that simply means holding a different opinion, without any implication of reversing a decision.

Can an individual "overrule" themselves?

Yes, an individual can overrule themselves, especially when they change their mind or reverse a previous personal decision or stance.