law

[lɔː]

law Definition

  • 1the system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and may enforce by the imposition of penalties
  • 2a statement of fact, deduced from observation, to the effect that a particular natural or scientific phenomenon always occurs if certain conditions are present

Using law: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "law" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He has a deep understanding of the law.

  • Example

    The new law will come into effect next year.

  • Example

    Breaking the law can result in severe consequences.

  • Example

    The law is not always fair.

law Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for law

Idioms Using law

  • not subject to the laws or rules that apply to everyone else

    Example

    Some people think that politicians are above the law.

  • to give orders or instructions in a very strict way

    Example

    The boss laid down the law and told everyone to work harder.

  • to punish someone without involving the legal system

    Example

    Vigilante groups sometimes take the law into their own hands.

Phrases with law

  • the principle that those who are strong and apply ruthless self-interest will be most successful

    Example

    In the business world, it's often the law of the jungle that prevails.

  • the principle that supposes that the result of any given situation will be the average of all possible outcomes

    Example

    If you keep playing the lottery, you'll eventually win something, according to the law of averages.

  • the far-reaching power of the police or other law enforcement agencies

    Example

    The criminal was eventually caught by the long arm of the law.

Origins of law

from Old English 'lagu', meaning 'a rule or set of rules'

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Summary: law in Brief

The term 'law' [lɔː] refers to the system of rules recognized by a community or country, which regulates the actions of its members and may impose penalties. It also denotes a statement of fact deduced from observation, such as the 'law of gravity.' Phrases like 'the law of the jungle' and idioms like 'above the law' extend its meaning beyond the legal system, while 'lay down the law' and 'take the law into one's own hands' describe ways of enforcing it.

How do native speakers use this expression?