rule

/ˈrül/

Middle English reule, from Anglo-French, from Latin regula straightedge, rule, from regere to keep straight, direct

noun

  1. a prescribed guide for conduct or action

  2. the laws or regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for observance by its members

  3. an accepted procedure, custom, or habit

law rule regulation precept statute ordinance canon mean a principle governing action or procedure. law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority. rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

verb

  1. to exert control, direction, or influence on

  2. to exercise control over especially by curbing or restraining

  3. to exercise authority or power over often harshly or arbitrarily

the passions that rule our minds

rule a fractious horse

decide determine settle rule resolve mean to come or cause to come to a conclusion. decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy. determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.

noun phrase

  1. a customary practice (such as driving always on a particular side of the road or yielding the right of way) developed in the interest of safety and often subsequently reinforced by law; especially : any of the rules making up a code governing ships in matters relating to mutual safety