rule

An instruction that says what people must or must not do.

• Please follow the rules.
• He broke a school rule by using his phone.
• What are the rules of this game?

How to use it: a rule against something/doing something (There is a rule against eating in class.); a rule about something (The school has rules about clothing.)

Similar words: regulation, instruction

Common phrases: follow a rule, break a rule, school rule, against the rule

The time during which a person or government controls a country or people.

• The king's rule lasted ten years.
• The country suffered under military rule.
• His rule ended when the army took power.

How to use it: under someone's rule (The country became richer under her rule.)

Similar words: reign, government, control

Common phrases: under someone's rule, military rule, colonial rule, years of rule

Something that usually happens or is normally true.

• As a rule, I walk to work.
• In this region, hot summers are the rule.
• Her kindness was the rule, and her anger the exception.

How to use it: as a rule (As a rule, the shop closes at six.); the rule rather than the exception (Late trains are the rule rather than the exception here.)

Similar words: norm, usual state

Opposites: exception

Common phrases: as a rule, the general rule, rule rather than exception

A straight tool used to measure lengths or draw straight lines.

• Measure the board with a rule.
• He used a steel rule to mark a straight line.
• The carpenter unfolded her wooden rule.

Similar words: ruler, straightedge

Common phrases: steel rule, folding rule, wooden rule, measuring rule

To control and lead a country or group of people.

• The king rules the country.
• She ruled for nearly forty years.
• Who ruled this region before the war?

How to use it: rule over someone/something (The queen ruled over a large empire.)

Similar words: govern, reign over, control

Common phrases: rule a country, rule an empire, rule over someone, rule for years

To be excellent or much better than others.

• This band rules!
• Your new bike totally rules.
• Their team ruled all season.

Similar words: rock, excel

Opposites: suck

Common phrases: you rule, they rule, really rule