Ruling

Definition

Ruling commonly refers to an authoritative decision or directive issued by a legal authority or governing body.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈruːlɪŋ/
• Respelling: ROO-ling (with "ROO" as in "moon," and "ling" as in "singing")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈruːlɪŋ/
• Respelling: ROO-ling (similar to American English, with "ROO" as in "moon," and "ling" as in "singing")

In both dialects, "ruling" is pronounced with a long "oo" sound in the first syllable, followed by "ling" which closely resembles the ending sound in "singing." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, reflecting the straightforward nature of the word.

Etymology

The word "ruling" has its origins in Old English rūl(i)an, from Proto-Germanic rūlijaną, which is believed to be derived from Proto-Indo-European rewl-. The meaning is tied to controlling or directing, often in a governance context.

Derivatives

• Overrule
• Rule
• Ruler
• Misrule
• Unruly

Synonyms

• Judgment
• Decree
• Verdict

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "ruling" is predominantly used in legal and governmental contexts to denote decisions or directives issued by authorities. It's also used as an adjective to describe something that is prevalent or dominant.

Related Terms

• Governance
• Authority
• Judiciary

Detailed Definition

Noun

• An official or authoritative instruction, decision, or judgment given by a judicial or governing body: An act of determining law or the resolution of a court.‍
• Example: The Supreme Court's ruling has a significant impact on the legislation.

• The exercise of control or dominance: The period during which a particular government or ruling system is in power.‍
• Example: The ruling of the empire lasted for several centuries.

Adjective

• Exercising control, dominating, or prevalent: Used to describe something that is currently dominant or prevalent.‍
• Example: The ruling party has a majority in the parliament.