edict
Meaning: An official order or decree issued by a person in authority, especially a monarch or government; a command that must be obeyed.
Edict implies a unilateral, authoritative command — something decreed from above rather than agreed through negotiation. Historically, it refers to decrees issued by Roman emperors (the Edict of Milan) or absolute monarchs (the Edict of Nantes). In modern usage, it often carries a slightly critical or ironic tone, suggesting that someone is imposing their will without consultation. Common collocations include 'issue an edict,' 'a royal edict,' 'by edict,' and 'government edict.'
Examples
- The Edict of Nantes, issued by Henry IV in 1598, granted French Protestants substantial rights and freedoms. 1598年亨利四世颁布的《南特敕令》赋予了法国新教徒大量权利和自由。El Edicto de Nantes, promulgado por Enrique IV en 1598, concedió amplios derechos y libertades a los protestantes franceses.1598年にアンリ4世が発布したナントの勅令は、フランスのプロテスタントに大幅な権利と自由を付与した。1598년 앙리 4세가 반포한 낭트 칙령은 프랑스 개신교도에게 상당한 권리와 자유를 부여했다.
- The headteacher issued an edict banning mobile phones from all classrooms with immediate effect. 校长发布了一道法令,立即禁止在所有教室使用手机。El director del colegio emitió un edicto que prohibía los teléfonos móviles en todas las aulas con efecto inmediato.校長は全教室での携帯電話使用を即時禁止する通達を出した。교장은 모든 교실에서 즉시 휴대전화 사용을 금지하는 통달을 내렸다.
- The new CEO governed the company by edict, making sweeping changes without consulting senior managers. 新任首席执行官以发号施令的方式管理公司,未经咨询高管便实施大刀阔斧的改革。El nuevo consejero delegado gobernaba la empresa por decreto, introduciendo cambios radicales sin consultar a los directivos.新しいCEOは勅令のように会社を統治し、上級管理職に相談することなく大規模な改革を断行した。새 CEO는 마치 칙령을 내리듯 회사를 통치하며, 고위 관리자들과 상의 없이 대대적인 변화를 단행했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin edictum (a proclamation, ordinance), neuter past participle of edicere (to proclaim, declare), from e- (out) + dicere (to say, speak). The word entered English in the fifteenth century through Old French.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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