Edict Meaning and Definition
Edict
Pronunciation
/ɪˈdɪkt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
An edict is a formal decree, order, or proclamation issued by a sovereign or authority, often with binding or persuasive force, used to enforce laws, regulations, or judgments.
Examples
1. “The king issued an edict that all subjects had to attend church on Sundays.”
2. “The government passed an edict to stop the production of environmentally hazardous products.”
Synonyms
1. Decree
2. Ordinance
3. Proclamation
Antonyms
1. Revocation
2. Repeal
Etymology
The word ‘edict’ originates from the Latin word ‘edictum’, meaning a judicial order or pronouncement, which is derived from ‘edicere’, to proclaim or declare.
Additional Information
Edicts were widely used throughout history, particularly in ancient Rome and medieval Europe, to disseminate laws, policies, and decrees to the public. Nowadays, edicts are often used in formal contexts to convey official decrees, announcements, or regulations. The use of edicts can be seen as a way to establish order, maintain authority, and communicate important information to the public. Edicts can be issued by governments, monarchs, or other authoritative bodies to enforce laws, regulations, or judgments. They can also be used to recognize achievements, bestow honors, or commemorate events.
Edicts can be classified into different types, such as executive edicts issued by the head of state, legislative edicts passed by the parliament or congress, or judicial edicts issued by the courts. The process of issuing an edict typically involves formal drafting, review, and approval by the relevant authorities before being published to the public.
Edicts have been used throughout history to shape the course of events, influence public opinion, and establish norms and values. Examples of famous edicts include the Roman Emperor Augustus’ edict granting Roman citizenship to the Edomites, the British Parliament’s edict abolishing slavery in the British Empire, and the United States’ edict establishing the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Usage Notes
When using the word ‘edict’, it’s essential to understand the context and tone of the declaration. Edicts are formal, official statements that may carry significant weight, so it’s crucial to communicate the message clearly and with the necessary authority.
The word ‘edict’ can also be used in a more colloquial sense to refer to a hasty or arbitrary decision, often without proper consideration or analysis. In this instance, the word carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of careful thought or deliberate intent.
Cultural References
The word ‘edict’ has appeared in various forms of media, literature, and art throughout history. For example, in Shakespeare’s play ‘Antony and Cleopatra’, Caesar issues an edict to divide the kingdom between himself and Marc Antony. The word is also used in George Orwell’s novel ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’, where the totalitarian government issues edicts to control every aspect of citizens’ lives.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. ‘Edict of Nantes’: a term used to describe a decree or proclamation that promotes tolerance or understanding.
2. ‘Edict of Restraint’: a term used to describe a decree or proclamation that restricts or prohibits a particular activity or behavior.
Collocations
The word ‘edict’ is often used in combination with other words to convey specific meanings. For example:
1. ‘Edict of…’ : a term used to describe a decree or proclamation issued by a governmental authority.
2. ‘By edict…’: a phrase used to indicate that a particular decision, action, or behavior is enforced or decreed.
3. ‘issued an edict…’: a phrase used to describe the act of issuing a decree or proclamation.
Frequency of Use
The word ‘edict’ is relatively infrequent in modern language, mainly due to the rise of more formal and precise terms such as ‘law’, ‘regulation’, or ‘directive’. However, the word is still used in formal contexts, such as legislation, jurisprudence, and diplomatic communication, as well as in literary and historical contexts to convey the sense of authority, grandeur, and solemnity.
Common Misspellings
1. Edict (correct spelling)
2. Eccit (incorrect spelling)
3. Eedict (incorrect spelling)