law
0 antonyms and opposites of law, grouped by meaning.
Noun — The system of rules that a country or community uses to govern behavior and enforce order.
How to use law
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English lagu, borrowed from Old Norse lög, literally "things laid down" — related to the verb lay.
Full origin of law →Frequently asked questions
What does “law” mean?
The word “law” means the system of rules that a country or community uses to govern behavior and enforce order. In plain terms, the rules a society lives by, whether made by governments or observed in nature.
How do you pronounce “law”?
“Law” is pronounced law (/lɔ/ in IPA).
How do you use “law” in a sentence?
Here is “law” used in a sentence: “Breaking the speed limit is against the law.”
What is another word for “law”?
Words with a similar meaning to “law” include act, canon, code, convention, constitution and corpus.
What part of speech is “law”?
“Law” is a noun.
Where does the word “law” come from?
The word “law” comes from Old English. From Old English lagu, borrowed from Old Norse lög, literally "things laid down" — related to the verb lay.
Is “law” a common word?
“Law” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “law” have?
“Law” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the system of rules that a country or community uses to govern behavior and enforce order.
What is the difference between a law and a rule?
A law is an official rule made and enforced by a government or authority, and breaking it brings legal penalties. A rule is broader and often more informal — it can be set by a school, club, game, or household, with milder consequences. All laws are rules, but not all rules carry the force of law.
What are the main types of law?
Law is often split into criminal law, which deals with offences against society, and civil law, which settles disputes between people or organisations. Other broad areas include constitutional, contract, family, employment, and international law. Systems are also grouped into 'common law,' built on past court decisions, and 'statute law,' written by lawmakers.
What is the difference between law and justice?
Law is the actual system of written rules a society enforces. Justice is the ideal of fairness those rules aim to achieve. The two usually align, but not always — a law can be criticised as unjust, and people may appeal to justice when they feel the law has failed. Law is the tool; justice is the goal.
Why is law important?
Law sets shared standards of behaviour so that people know what is expected and what is forbidden. It protects rights, settles disputes peacefully, holds wrongdoers to account, and limits the power of those in authority. Without it, communities would rely on force rather than agreed rules, making order and safety far harder to keep.