fiat
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.”
How to use fiat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn authoritative order, or (in finance) government-backed paper money.
Word forms
fiated past tense, fiats plural, Fiats plural, fiats singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.