decree
Decree (noun) means an official order or law issued by an authority. Example: “The king issued a decree banning the export of grain.”
How to use decree
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal, official command or ruling — from a ruler, government, or court.
Word forms
decreed past tense, decrees plural, decrees singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The king issued a _____ banning the export of grain.
Etymology
From Old French decré (French décret), from Latin dēcrētum.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for decree
See all rhymes for decree →Frequently asked questions
What does “decree” mean?
The word “decree” means an official order or law issued by an authority. In plain terms, a formal, official command or ruling — from a ruler, government, or court.
How do you pronounce “decree”?
“Decree” is pronounced dih-KREE (/dɪˈkɹiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “decree” in a sentence?
Here is “decree” used in a sentence: “The king issued a decree banning the export of grain.”
What part of speech is “decree”?
Depending on how it is used, “decree” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “decree” come from?
The word “decree” comes from Latin. From Old French decré (French décret), from Latin dēcrētum.
Is “decree” a common word?
“Decree” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “decree” have?
“Decree” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an official order or law issued by an authority.
What is the difference between a decree and a law?
A decree is an official order or ruling issued by an authority, often taking effect without going through the usual legislative process that a law typically requires. A law is generally enacted through a formal legislative body, while a decree can be issued directly by a ruler, government official, or court.
What is a decree in a legal or court context?
In a legal context, a decree is a formal ruling handed down by a court, especially in matters of equity, admiralty, or probate, functioning as a binding decision on the specific case before it.
Can decree be used as a verb as well as a noun?
Yes, decree can be used as a verb meaning to officially order or command something, as in a ruler decreeing a new policy, in addition to its noun meaning of the order or ruling itself.