What is law? Pronunciation and usage in English

law means . Learn how to pronounce and use law through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of law

lawnoun

/lɔː/
Definition & pronunciation of law

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "law" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and both are correct!

1. The Traditional Pronunciation (rhymes with "saw"):

2. The British Pronunciation (rhymes with "raw"):

Key Difference: The primary difference is the vowel sound.

Which one should you use?

  • If you're speaking to an American, the "læ" pronunciation is perfectly fine.
  • If you're speaking to a Brit (or want to sound like a Brit!), use the "loh" pronunciation.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • YouGottaTalk.com: https://www.yougottatalk.com/pronunciation/law (Excellent, shows both pronunciations)
  • Google Translate: Type “law” and select the English language, then click the speaker icon. (Will usually default to the American pronunciation.)

Do you want me to:

  • Give you a few example sentences using each pronunciation?
  • Explain the history of these different pronunciations?

Usage and examples with the word law in English

Let's break down how to use the word "law" in English! It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a System of Rules (The Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: "Law" refers to a system of rules established by a governing authority (like a government) that regulates behavior and maintains order.
  • Examples:
    • "The law requires you to wear a seatbelt." (A specific rule)
    • "He studied law at university." (The field of study)
    • "The laws of physics govern how the universe works." (A broader system of rules)
    • "The police enforce the laws." (The individuals responsible)

2. Specific Rules or Statutes

  • Definition: “Law” can refer to a specific written rule or statute. Think of a particular piece of legislation.
  • Examples:
    • "The new law on data privacy is complicated." (A specific piece of legislation)
    • "There’s a law against drunk driving.” (A specific rule coded into legislation)
    • “He was charged with violating the law.” (Referring to a specific legal code)

3. Legal Proceedings & Process

  • Definition: "Law" can describe the process or activity of legal proceedings.
  • Examples:
    • “The law is very slow.” (Referring to the legal process - often lengthy)
    • “He’s a lawyer; he works within the law.” (Operating within the legal system)
    • "She’s taking him to law court." (Referring to the court system)

4. Figurative Uses

  • Definition: "Law" can be used metaphorically to describe a general pattern, principle, or tendency.
  • Examples:
    • "There’s a law to every action." (Meaning cause and effect) – This is related to Newton's Third Law of Motion.
    • "The law of supply and demand dictates prices." (A general economic principle)
    • "She operates by her own law.” (Meaning she has her own personal rules or standards)

5. Related Words & Phrases

  • Legal: Relating to the law.
  • Lawyer/Attorney: A person who practices law.
  • Court: A place where legal proceedings take place.
  • Justice: Fairness and upholding the law.
  • Legislation: A law passed by a legislature.
  • Legal advice: Guidance provided by a lawyer.
  • Under the law: According to the rules or statutes.

Tips for Using "Law" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay attention to how "law" is used in the sentence to understand its meaning.
  • Specificity: Is it referring to a general rule, a specific statute, or a process?
  • Formal Tone: "Law" is generally a more formal word than "rule."

Could you give me a sentence where you’d like to use the word “law”? I can then help you craft a more specific and natural-sounding phrasing. Or, do you want me to focus on a particular aspect of "law" (e.g., legal vocabulary, common legal phrases)?

Synonyms for the word law

Idioms of the word law

be a law unto yourself
to behave in an independent way and ignore rules or what other people want you to do
  • Boys of that age are a law unto themselves.
go to law
(British English)to ask a court to settle a problem or disagreement
  • They went to law to get back their property.
law and order
a situation in which people obey the law and behave in a peaceful way
  • The government struggled to maintain law and order.
  • After the riots, the military was brought in to restore law and order.
  • They claim to be the party of law and order.
  • Martial law was imposed to prevent the breakdown of law and order.
the law of averages
the principle that one thing will happen as often as another if you try enough times
  • Keep applying and by the law of averages you'll get a job sooner or later.
the law of the jungle
a situation in which people are prepared to harm other people in order to succeed
  • These criminal gangs only recognize the law of the jungle.
lay down the law
to tell somebody with force what they should or should not do
  • My dad started laying down the law about what time I should come home.
the letter of the law
(often disapproving)the exact words of a law or rule rather than its general meaning
  • They insist on sticking to the letter of the law.
  • We might be guilty of slightly bending the letter of the law.
  • In spite of the difficulties it would cause her family, the judge stuck to the letter of the law and jailed her.
on the wrong side of the law
in trouble with the police
    possession is nine tenths of the law
    (saying)if you already have or control something, it is difficult for somebody else to take it away from you, even if they have the legal right to it
      the rule of law
      the condition in which all members of society, including its political leaders, accept the authority of the law
      • Democracy and the rule of law are yet to be firmly established in the country.
      take the law into your own hands
      to do something illegal in order to punish somebody for doing something wrong, instead of letting the police deal with them
      • After a series of burglaries in the area, the police are worried that residents might take the law into their own hands.
      • When police failed to arrest the suspect, local people took the law into their own hands and beat him up.
      there’s no law against something
      (informal)used to tell somebody who is criticizing you that you are not doing anything wrong
      • I'll sing if I want to—there's no law against it.

      Practice with vocabulary law

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate word.

      1. The new data protection _____ will have significant implications for businesses operating in the European Union.
      2. Ignorance of the _____ is no excuse, meaning everyone is expected to be aware of the regulations that apply to them.
      3. Company _____ dictates that all employees must complete the annual compliance training by the end of the month.
      4. The judge emphasized the importance of upholding basic principles of _____ and fairness in the courtroom.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      Select the best option(s) to complete or answer each question. There may be more than one correct answer for some questions.

      1. Which of the following refers to a system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and which it may enforce by the imposition of penalties? A) tradition B) custom C) law D) etiquette

      2. Which of the following terms correctly combine with 'law' to form common legal specializations or concepts? (Select all that apply) A) Civil B) Criminal C) Abstract D) Constitutional E) General

      3. Which of the following phrases correctly use the word 'law' to refer to a legal principle, system, or general rule? (Select all that apply) A) The rule of _____. B) Breaking the _____. C) Taking the _____ into your own hands. D) Standing on ceremony by _____. E) Against all known _____ of physics.

      4. While it may not be illegal, many people consider it a violation of basic _____ to spread misinformation deliberately. A) statutes B) decrees C) ethics D) protocols

      5. The company issued new _____ regarding remote work arrangements, which are mandatory for all employees starting next quarter. A) judgments B) rulings C) directives D) verdicts

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions provided.

      1. Original: The government has put in place new rules to protect consumers from unfair business practices. Rewrite using "legislation" or a related form of "law".
      2. Original: It is forbidden to drive above the speed limit on public roads. Rewrite using "against the law" or a similar phrase with "law".
      3. Original: The judge's decision set an important precedent for future cases involving similar circumstances. Rewrite using a suitable replacement for "decision" that does NOT use "law" or its derivatives.

      Answer Key

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. law
      2. law
      3. policy
      4. justice

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. C) law
      2. A) Civil, B) Criminal, D) Constitutional
      3. A) The rule of law, B) Breaking the law, C) Taking the law into your own hands, E) Against all known laws of physics
      4. C) ethics
      5. C) directives

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The government has enacted new legislation to protect consumers from unfair business practices.
      2. Driving above the speed limit on public roads is against the law.
      3. The judge's ruling set an important precedent for future cases involving similar circumstances.

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