Legislative
ˈledʒɪslətɪv
Definitions
Relating to the process of making laws; having the power to make laws.
ˈledʒɪslətɪv
Relating to laws or the making of laws.
The legislative body debated the proposed bill for weeks.
💡 Simply: Imagine your school wants a new rule. The people who get to decide if that rule is real are part of a 'legislative' group. They're in charge of the law-making.
👶 For kids: Like the people in charge of making rules!
More Examples
The president can veto any legislative action.
The committee has legislative oversight over the agency.
How It's Used
"The legislative branch of government is responsible for creating laws."
"A legislative session was convened to discuss budget cuts."
Idioms & expressions
legislative body
A group of people with the power to make laws for a country or state.
"The legislative body voted on the new tax laws."
legislative power
The authority to make laws.
"The legislative power is usually granted to the elected representatives of the people."
From Latin *lēgislātīvus*, derived from *lēx* (law) and *lātus* (carried, proposed). It entered English in the late 14th century, initially related to lawmaking and proposing laws.
The word's usage has consistently been associated with governmental and legal contexts throughout history. Its presence increased significantly with the development of modern democratic systems.
Memory tip
Think of 'legislate' which means to create laws, and then add the -ive suffix.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: lēgislātīvus