legislation
C1Formal, Academic, Legal, Political, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
The process of making or enacting laws; a body of laws formally enacted.
The act of writing and passing laws by a legislative body (e.g., parliament, congress). It can also refer to the resulting set of laws themselves, particularly on a specific subject.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an uncountable noun. It refers to the general concept or a specific body of laws, not individual laws (which are 'acts' or 'statutes'). Distinguish from 'regulation' (rules made by executive agencies under authority granted by legislation).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The process and institutions differ (Parliament vs. Congress), but the term is used identically.
Connotations
Neutral in both, though can carry positive (progress, protection) or negative (burden, restriction) connotations depending on context.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties within formal and political discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
legislation on/regarding/concerning [topic]legislation to [verb infinitive]under [the] legislationthrough legislationintroduce/pass/amend/repeal legislationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The wheels of legislation grind slowly. (proverb)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to laws affecting commerce, taxation, employment, and corporate governance (e.g., 'New data protection legislation will impact our operations.').
Academic
Used in political science, law, and social policy studies to discuss the process and outcomes of law-making.
Everyday
Used in news discussions about new laws being proposed or passed by the government.
Technical
In legal contexts, distinguishes between primary legislation (acts of parliament/congress) and secondary/delegated legislation (rules made by ministers under authority of an act).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They need to legislate on this issue.
- Parliament has legislated to protect consumers.
American English
- Congress failed to legislate a solution.
- The state legislated against the practice.
adverb
British English
- The power was granted legislatively.
- This was achieved legislatively, not through the courts.
American English
- The issue was addressed legislatively.
- The change must come legislatively.
adjective
British English
- The legislative process can be slow.
- She has a seat on the legislative committee.
American English
- The legislative branch is Congress.
- They are facing legislative hurdles.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The government is making new laws. This new legislation is about road safety.
- Schools must follow the legislation.
- The new legislation will ban single-use plastics from next year.
- The company changed its policy because of the new data protection legislation.
- The opposition party has promised to repeal this controversial legislation if elected.
- Drafting effective environmental legislation requires input from scientists and economists.
- The proposed legislation, which aims to overhaul the healthcare system, has faced fierce scrutiny in committee.
- Much of the UK's employment legislation is derived from EU directives enacted prior to Brexit.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LEGisLATION – LAWS made by the LEGislature (the law-making body of government).
Conceptual Metaphor
LEGISLATION IS A PRODUCT (draft, pass, enact, introduce), LEGISLATION IS A FORCE (power of legislation, legislation drives change).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'закон' (a specific law/act). 'Legislation' обычно переводится как 'законодательство' (процесс или свод законов).
- Избегать буквального перевода 'легисляция'.
- Слово 'законодательство' в русском уже несет оттенок свода законов, что соответствует 'body of legislation'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'a legislation' (incorrect, it's uncountable). Correct: 'a piece of legislation' or 'new legislation'.
- Confusing 'legislation' (laws) with 'legislature' (the institution that makes laws).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST definition of 'legislation'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'legislation' is generally an uncountable noun. You cannot say 'a legislation' or 'legislations'. To refer to a single law, use 'a law', 'an act', or 'a statute'. To quantify legislation, use phrases like 'a piece of legislation' or 'several pieces of legislation'.
'Legislation' (or 'statutes', 'acts') are laws passed by a legislative body (Parliament/Congress). 'Regulations' are more detailed rules created by government agencies or ministers under the authority granted by an act of legislation. Legislation provides the framework, and regulations specify how it is implemented.
No, the noun 'legislation' cannot be used as a verb. The related verb is 'to legislate'. For example, 'The government plans to legislate on this matter.'
Yes, in precise usage. 'Law' is a broad term encompassing all rules a society follows, including common law and statutory law. 'Legislation' specifically refers to written laws (statutes) that have been formally enacted by a legislative body. In casual conversation, they are often used interchangeably.
Collections
Part of a collection
Law and Regulation
C1 · 46 words · Legal language and regulatory frameworks.
Public Policy
C1 · 47 words · Language for governance, policy and administration.
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