the 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, a statement of fact, deduced from observation, to the effect that a particular natural or scientific phenomenon always occurs if certain conditions are present

above the law, lay down the law, take the law into one's own hands

the law of the jungle, the law of averages, the long arm of the law

Formal and Informal Expressions of law

In different contexts, you can replace 'law' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'statute, ordinance' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'rule, regulation' is a commonplace synonym.

law: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for law

Antonyms for law

anarchy
chaos

Idioms Using law

above the law
not subject to the laws or rules that apply to everyone else
Example
Some people think that politicians are above the law.
lay down 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.
take the law into one's own hands
to punish someone without involving the legal system
Example
Vigilante groups sometimes take the law into their own hands.

Phrases with law

the law of the jungle
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 law of averages
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 long arm of the law
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.