Definition and meaning of English word "law"
law
/lɔː/
Meaning
NounThe body of binding rules and regulations, customs, and standards established in a community by its legislative and judicial authorities.
How to use
The term 'law' is often used in formal and professional contexts, such as in government, courts, and legislation. A common grammatical nuance is that 'law' can be used as a mass noun, e.g., 'The law requires...' or as a countable noun, e.g., 'The laws of the land are...'. Learners should be aware of the difference between 'law' and 'rule'.
🇬🇧 English
law
Example
The law is very strict in this country.
The lawyer is very knowledgeable about the law.
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Common phrases
- break the law— to disobey a law
- under the law— according to the law
- law and order— a situation in which people obey the law
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #1017 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "law" mean?▼
The English word "law" means "law" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "law"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "law" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "law"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "The law says that you must wear a seatbelt." (which translates as "law").
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