Commandment

/kəˈmændmənt/

nounIntermediateCommonLegal

Definitions

1

A rule or law, especially one given by a god or authority.

/kəˈmændmənt/

nounneutralIntermediate
Legal

A divine or authoritative order or rule.

Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

💡 Simply: Imagine a superhero giving orders: those are commandments! They're important rules to follow, like 'always be kind' or 'never lie'.

👶 For kids: A rule from God or someone important.

More Examples

2

Following the commandments is a key part of their faith.

How It's Used

Religious

"The Ten Commandments are fundamental to Judaism and Christianity."

From Old French commandement, from Old French commander (to command) + -ment (noun suffix). Ultimately of Latin origin.

The word has been consistently used to refer to religious laws since the Middle Ages.

Memory tip

Think 'command' + 'ment' – a command that creates a law.

Base: command
comandmentcomandementcommandmant

Usage

10%Spoken
90%Written