Legislative

Definition

Relating to the process of making laws; having the power to create laws.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɛdʒɪˌsleɪtɪv/
• Respelling: LEJ-i-slay-tiv (with "LEJ" as in "ledge," "i" as in "sit," "slay" as in "say," and "tiv" as in "give")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɛdʒɪslətɪv/
• Respelling: LEJ-i-sla-tiv (with "LEJ" as in "ledge," "i" as in "sit," "sla" as in "slap," and "tiv" as in "give")

In both dialects, "legislative" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LEJ." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, with differences in the second part of the word: "slay-tiv" (American) and "sla-tiv" (British).

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "lēgislātīvus", from "lēgis", genitive of "lēx" meaning "law" and the suffix "-īvus" meaning "pertaining to".

Derivatives

• Legislate
• Legislator
• Legislature
• Legislation
• Legislatively

Synonyms

• Lawmaking
• Statutory
• Regulatory

Antonyms

• Non-legislative
• Judicial
• Executive

Usage

The term "legislative" is commonly used to describe functions, activities, or bodies related to the process of making laws. It is a fundamental term in discussions about government and political science.

Related Terms

• Legislature: The body of people, such as a parliament or congress, that has the power to make laws.
• Bill: A proposed law presented for approval to a legislative body.
• Ordinance: A piece of legislation enacted by a municipal authority.

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Legislative (Adjective): Pertaining to the making or enacting of laws.
  • Example: "The legislative process requires careful consideration of each proposed bill."

• Legislative (Adjective): Related to a legislature or a legislative body.
  • Example: "The legislative committee met to discuss the new policy proposals."