decree
Meaning: An official order or decision issued by a legal authority, government, or ruler that has the force of law.
A decree is typically issued by a head of state, monarch, or court rather than being passed through a legislative process. In English family law, a 'decree nisi' is a provisional order for divorce, followed by a 'decree absolute' to finalise it. The term can also be used as a verb meaning to order or decide authoritatively. Common collocations include 'royal decree,' 'decree absolute,' and 'issue a decree.'
Examples
- The court issued a decree ordering the company to cease all operations immediately. 法院发布法令,命令该公司立即停止所有运营。El tribunal emitió un decreto ordenando a la empresa el cese inmediato de todas sus operaciones.裁判所は同社に対し全業務の即時停止を命じる判決を下した。법원은 해당 회사에 모든 업무의 즉시 중단을 명하는 판결을 내렸다.
- The decree nisi was granted, and the divorce would be finalised within six weeks. 临时离婚判令已获批准,离婚将在六周内正式生效。Se concedió el decree nisi y el divorcio se formalizaría en un plazo de seis semanas.仮離婚判決が認められ、6週間以内に離婚が確定する見込みとなった。이혼 가판결(decree nisi)이 인정되어 6주 이내에 이혼이 확정될 예정이었다.
- The emperor decreed that all citizens must register their property with the state. 皇帝颁令要求所有公民向国家登记其财产。El emperador decretó que todos los ciudadanos debían registrar sus propiedades ante el Estado.皇帝はすべての市民が国家に財産を登録するよう命じた。황제는 모든 시민이 국가에 재산을 등록하도록 칙령을 내렸다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, academic, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin decretum (a decision, decree), the neuter past participle of decernere (to decide, determine), composed of de- (down, from) + cernere (to separate, sift, judge). Entered English in the 14th century via Old French decret.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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