noun
Uncommon
fiat
FEYE-at
Fiat (noun) means an official order or decree, especially one issued without needing agreement from others. Example: “The new tax was imposed by fiat, with no public consultation.”
noun
1
An official order or decree, especially one issued without needing agreement from others.
"The new tax was imposed by fiat, with no public consultation."
2
Currency that has value because a government declares it legal tender, not because it's backed by a physical commodity.
"Bitcoin supporters often contrast it with fiat currency like the dollar."
How to use fiat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn authoritative order, or (in finance) government-backed paper money.
Common pairings
by fiat
fiat currency
government fiat
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Word forms
- Plural
- fiats
- Third person singular
- fiats
- Past tense
- fiated
Fill the gap
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The new tax was imposed by _____, with no public consultation.
Etymology
From Latin fīat, meaning "let it be done."
Related words
Rhymes for fiat
See all rhymes for fiat →Frequently asked questions
What does “fiat” mean?
The word “fiat” means an official order or decree, especially one issued without needing agreement from others. In plain terms, an authoritative order, or (in finance) government-backed paper money.
How do you pronounce “fiat”?
“Fiat” is pronounced FEYE-at (/ˈfaɪæt/ in IPA).
How do you use “fiat” in a sentence?
Here is “fiat” used in a sentence: “The new tax was imposed by fiat, with no public consultation.”
What part of speech is “fiat”?
“Fiat” is a noun.
Where does the word “fiat” come from?
The word “fiat” comes from Latin. From Latin fīat, meaning "let it be done.".
Is “fiat” a common word?
“Fiat” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “fiat” have?
“Fiat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an official order or decree, especially one issued without needing agreement from others.
What is the difference between fiat and law?
A fiat is an official order or decree issued without necessarily requiring agreement or debate from others, often implying a top-down or authoritarian directive. A law, by contrast, typically goes through a formal legislative process involving deliberation and approval before taking effect.
