What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ordonnance
Example
The pharmacist filled the ordonnance for the patient's medication. [ordonnance: noun]
Example
The general issued an ordonnance for the troops to advance. [ordonnance: noun]
Example
The government issued an ordonnance to regulate the use of pesticides. [ordonnance: noun]
edict
Example
The king issued an edict declaring war on the neighboring kingdom. [edict: noun]
Example
The pope issued an edict excommunicating the heretics. [edict: noun]
Example
The government issued an edict banning the use of plastic bags. [edict: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Edict is more commonly used than ordonnance in English-speaking countries, while ordonnance is more commonly used in French-speaking countries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ordonnance and edict?
Both ordonnance and edict are formal words that are typically used in official or legal contexts. However, edict may have a more formal and authoritative connotation than ordonnance.