decree

IPA/dɪˈkriː/
KK[dɪkrˈi]IPA/dɪˈkriː/

decree — noun

  • decreesingular
  • decreesplural

1. a written or spoken statement from a government, ruler, or other authority that

1.名詞B2
釋義

a written or spoken statement from a government, ruler, or other authority that orders what must happen and carries legal weight

例句

The king issued a decree banning plastic bags across the entire country.

Under the new decree, all factories must reduce their carbon emissions by next year.

under + decree for stating the source of authority

同義詞
  • edict

    more formal and old-fashioned; strongly associated with monarchs or absolute rulers

  • order

    much more general and less formal; can be used in everyday situations

  • mandate

    emphasises political authority or the backing of a higher body

用法筆記

Subject is typically a head of state, government body, or ruling monarch. Frequently used with the verbs 'issue,' 'sign,' or 'pass.'

常見錯誤

The company issued a decree about overtime pay.
The government issued a decree about overtime pay.
💡A decree is an official order from a governing authority, not from a private company.
My boss gave me a decree to finish the report.
My boss gave me an order to finish the report.
💡'Decree' is too formal for everyday workplace instructions.

2. a decision given by a judge or court that settles a legal disagreement or determ

2.名詞B2
釋義

a decision given by a judge or court that settles a legal disagreement or determines the rights of the people involved in a case

例句

The court issued a decree ordering the company to pay damages to its former workers.

Judge Jabari's decree ended a legal dispute that had lasted for more than eight years.

同義詞
  • judgment

    more common in everyday legal language; refers to the court's final decision after a case

  • ruling

    emphasises the court's interpretation and application of the law

用法筆記

Limited to court-issued orders — distinct from sense 1 (OFFICIAL ORDER), which covers decrees from governments and rulers in general. Common in divorce, property, and inheritance cases.

常見錯誤

The jury reached a decree of guilty.
The jury reached a verdict of guilty.
💡A jury gives a verdict in a criminal case; a decree is issued by a judge and typically deals with rights and duties rather than guilt.

decree — verb