Practice Decree with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

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Authority and Control

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Control and Discipline

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Decision and Discretion

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Governance and Authority

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Law and Order

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Options and Determinations

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decree

Decree (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/dɪˈkriː/

What does decree mean?

An official order or decision made by a government or other authority.
"The dictator issued a decree that gave him absolute power."

Detailed Meaning of Decree

Decrees are typically issued by a ruler, monarch, or other person with the power to make decisions on behalf of a government or organization. Decrees can be made in a variety of contexts, such as in response to a crisis, to implement a new policy, or to make changes to existing laws or regulations. Decrees are usually considered legally binding and must be followed by citizens or organizations. Decrees can be issued by different levels of government like the federal or state level, or by a court. They can also be temporary or permanent, and can be issued in emergency situations or as part of a legislative process.

Example Sentences for Decree

1. The king issued a decree that made education compulsory for all children.
2. The president's decree on immigration policy caused a heated debate among the citizens.
3. The court's decree finalized the divorce, legally ending the couple's marriage.
4. The council passed a decree banning the use of plastic bags in the city.
5. According to the ancient decree, the festival was to be celebrated at the beginning of spring.
6. The decree of the Pharaoh was considered the word of a god and was obeyed without question.

Origin and Etymology of Decree

The noun 'decree' has a venerable etymology, tracing its origins to Latin and Old French. It stems from the Latin word 'decretum,' which is the past participle of 'decernere,' meaning 'to decide' or 'to determine.' In this Latin root, 'de' signifies 'down' or 'completely,' while 'cernere' means 'to sift' or 'to separate.' Thus, 'decree' originally conveyed the idea of a decision reached after careful consideration and separation of facts or options. This term made its way into Old French as 'decré,' retaining its sense of an official decision. In English, 'decree' emerged in the late Middle Ages, referring to an authoritative and official order or decision issued by a government or other authoritative body. The etymology of 'decree' underscores its historical association with formal and decisive pronouncements of authority.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun decree:

suggestion

recommendation

order

proposal

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Decree

1. The new decree made it mandatory for all cars to undergo emissions testing annually.
2. The villagers rejoiced when the local government passed a decree protecting their land from industrial development.
3. The emperor’s decree was carried throughout the land by a network of messengers on horseback.
4. The judge’s decree stated that the property would be equally divided among the siblings.
5. A decree from the queen established the creation of a new public park in honor of her late husband.
6. The decree of bankruptcy allowed the company to restructure its debts and attempt to become profitable again.
7. The senate issued a decree commending the bravery of the soldiers who defended the nation.
8. The tribal leader’s decree was always respected and adhered to as a matter of tradition and honor.
9. The citizens were anxiously waiting for the decree that would lift the curfew and allow them to resume normal activities.
10. The king issued a royal decree to lower taxes and ease the burden on citizens.
11. Following a lengthy legal battle, the court's final decree officially dissolved their marriage.
12. A presidential decree declared a new national holiday to celebrate cultural diversity.
13. To address noise complaints, the city council passed a strict decree limiting loud gatherings.
14. During the pandemic, the government's decree imposed a nightly curfew to curb the virus's spread.
15. An unexpected royal decree granted amnesty, releasing political prisoners and fostering reconciliation.
16. In response to the pandemic, the school board issued a decree requiring students to wear masks.
17. The judge's final decree resolved the complex property dispute between the feuding neighbors.
18. A royal decree celebrated a distinguished scientist's contributions to the field of physics.
19. The emperor's sweeping decree transformed the nation's legal landscape, leading to judicial reforms.
20. Responding to environmental concerns, the mayor issued a decree banning single-use plastic bags.
21. In a time of crisis, the religious leader's decree called for unity and solidarity among the faithful.
22. A decree from the governor allocated substantial funds to improve local infrastructure.
23. To preserve the city's historic charm, the council passed a decree protecting its architectural heritage.
24. Upholding the constitutionality of the law, the court issued a landmark decree with far-reaching implications.