rule

//ruːl//
A2Frequency Level 4Neutral
Visual representation of rule

Noun

ruleSingular
rulesPlural
1

An official regulation or principle that governs conduct or procedure

You must follow the rules of the game.

2

A usual or customary state of things; what is normal or expected

Working from home has become the rule rather than the exception.

3

A straight strip of rigid material used for measuring or drawing straight lines

Use a rule to draw a straight line.

4

The exercise of authority or control over others; dominion

The country was under foreign rule for many years.

Verb

ruleInfinitive
rulePresent tense
ruledPast tense
ruledPast participle
rulingPresent participle
rulesThird-person singular
1

To exercise ultimate power or authority over a place or people

The king ruled the country for 40 years.

2

To make an authoritative decision or judgment

The judge ruled that the contract was invalid.

3

To mark with straight lines using a ruler

She ruled lines on the paper before writing.

4

To be predominant or most important; to dominate

In this company, profit rules over everything else.

rule - Deep Vocabulary