Ruling
ˈruːlɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsA decision made by a judge or court, or a decision by a person in authority.
ˈruːlɪŋ
A decision by a judge or court.
The Supreme Court's ruling on the case set a precedent.
💡 Simply: Imagine a referee in a game makes a call, like whether a player is out or safe. That call is a *ruling* – it's what the person in charge says is the official decision.
👶 For kids: A ruling is like when the grown-ups at a game say what the rules mean. It's the final answer!
More Examples
The company complied with the regulatory ruling.
The umpire made a controversial ruling, impacting the outcome of the game.
How It's Used
"The judge delivered a ruling on the case."
"The referee's ruling was disputed by the coach."
Exercising control or authority; governing.
ˈruːlɪŋ
Governing or controlling.
The king is ruling the country with an iron fist.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in charge and making the decisions, like being the boss of your toys. The act of making those choices and being in control is what 'ruling' means.
👶 For kids: Ruling is when you're in charge and telling everyone what to do, like the boss of a playground.
More Examples
His emotions were ruling his behavior.
The council is ruling over the city's affairs.
How It's Used
"The king is ruling the kingdom."
"Fear was ruling his mind."
Synonyms
Decision
Decree
Judgment
Commanding
Controlling
Governing
Leading
Idioms & expressions
rule of thumb
A practical and approximate way of doing or measuring something, based on experience rather than precise calculations.
"As a rule of thumb, you should budget 20% of your income for savings."
From Middle English *roulynge*, present participle of *roulen* ("to rule"), from Old English *rūlian* ("to rule, govern").
Historically, 'ruling' has been used in legal and political contexts to denote decision-making and governance. It appears frequently in historical legal documents and accounts of political power.
Memory tip
Think of a judge's gavel coming down - a *ruling* signifies an official decision.