legislative
LEHJ-ih-sluh-tihv
Legislative (adj) means relating to making laws, or having the authority to make them. Example: “The legislative branch is separate from the courts and the executive.”
adj
1
Relating to making laws, or having the authority to make them.
"The legislative branch is separate from the courts and the executive."
"She sits on a legislative committee that reviews new bills."
"The legislative process can take many months before a bill becomes law."
noun
1
The branch of government responsible for making laws.
"The legislative and the judiciary often clash over interpretation of the constitution."
"The legislative is elected, while the head of state is not."
"In many countries the legislative can overrule the executive on spending."
How to use legislative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAnything to do with the process or power of making laws.
Common pairings
legislative branch
legislative power
legislative session
legislative reform
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Word forms
- Plural
- legislatives
- Comparative
- more legislative
- Superlative
- most legislative
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The _____ branch is separate from the courts and the executive.
Etymology
From legislate plus the adjective-forming suffix -ive, ultimately from Latin legis lator, "proposer of a law".
Related words
Rhymes for legislative
See all rhymes for legislative →Frequently asked questions
What does “legislative” mean?
The word “legislative” means relating to making laws, or having the authority to make them. In plain terms, anything to do with the process or power of making laws.
How do you pronounce “legislative”?
“Legislative” is pronounced LEHJ-ih-sluh-tihv (/ˈlɛd͡ʒ.ɪˌsleɪ.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “legislative” in a sentence?
Here is “legislative” used in a sentence: “The legislative branch is separate from the courts and the executive.”
What part of speech is “legislative”?
Depending on how it is used, “legislative” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “legislative” come from?
The word “legislative” comes from Latin. From legislate plus the adjective-forming suffix -ive, ultimately from Latin legis lator, "proposer of a law".
Is “legislative” a common word?
“Legislative” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “legislative” have?
“Legislative” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to making laws, or having the authority to make them.
What is the difference between "legislative," "executive," and "judicial"?
These name the three branches of government: the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch carries them out, and the judicial branch interprets them and settles disputes. "Legislative" specifically concerns law-making bodies such as parliaments and congresses.
What is the difference between "legislative" and "legislature"?
"Legislative" is the adjective, describing anything relating to making laws, while "legislature" is the noun for the actual body that makes them. So you have "legislative powers" exercised by "the legislature."
What is the difference between "legislative" and "legislation"?
"Legislative" is an adjective meaning relating to law-making, whereas "legislation" is a noun meaning the laws themselves or the act of making them. A legislative body produces legislation.
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