ruling
B2Formal, Legal, Official, Academic, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
the official and final decision made by a judge, court, or other authority.
The exercise of power or authority; the period during which someone or something holds power. Also used as an adjective meaning 'currently in power', 'dominant', or 'predominant'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, most often refers to a legal decision. As an adjective, indicates the most powerful or influential element in a situation. Sometimes used to describe a widely held opinion or principle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Spelling and usage are identical. Both legal systems use the term.
Connotations
Identical connotations of authority, finality, and officialdom.
Frequency
Equally frequent in legal and political contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the ruling on + noun (the ruling on the case)a ruling that + clause (a ruling that changed the law)a ruling against/for + noun/pronoun (a ruling against the company)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The ruling class”
- “A ruling passion”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We must comply with the regulator's latest ruling.
Academic
The philosopher examined the ruling ideologies of the 19th century.
Everyday
What's the ruling on bringing pets to the picnic?
Technical
The court's ruling established a new precedent for digital privacy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The judge is currently ruling on the admissibility of the evidence.
- The court will rule next week.
American English
- The judge is ruling on the motion this afternoon.
- The Supreme Court ruled last term.
adjective
British English
- The ruling Conservative government called an election.
- Cost is the ruling factor in our decision.
American English
- The ruling was overturned by an appeals court.
- The ruling dynasty held power for decades.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher made a ruling: no phones in class.
- The ruling was fair.
- The court's ruling will affect many people.
- The ruling party won the election.
- They plan to appeal the judge's controversial ruling.
- The committee is awaiting a ruling on the funding application.
- The landmark ruling set a precedent that reshaped corporate liability laws.
- Her ruling passion was for justice, which guided her entire career.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RULER (the tool). A ruling is the line a judge draws on a legal issue.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW/GOVERNANCE IS PHYSICAL CONTROL (to hand down a ruling). AUTHORITY IS ABOVE (the ruling party, a higher court's ruling).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'ruling' as 'правление' when it means a legal decision (use 'решение суда', 'постановление'). 'Правящий' works for the adjective ('ruling party' = 'правящая партия').
- Do not confuse with 'rule' as a general regulation. 'Ruling' is a specific, often one-time, authoritative decision.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'ruling' as a verb (incorrect: *'He is ruling the case tomorrow'; correct: 'He is ruling *on* the case tomorrow' or 'He will issue a ruling').
- Confusing 'ruling' (noun/adj.) with 'reigning' (only for monarchs).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'ruling' used as an adjective?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A law is a general rule created by a legislature. A ruling is a specific decision made by a judge or court applying the law to a particular case.
Yes. As an adjective, it's common ('the ruling class', 'the ruling idea'). Informally, it can mean a decision by any authority ('the referee's ruling').
No, 'ruling' is the present participle or gerund of the verb 'to rule'. In the dictionary entry, it is treated as a separate noun and adjective derived from that verb.
There isn't a direct single-word antonym. The process before a ruling is 'deliberation'. A ruling can be 'overturned', 'reversed', 'appealed', or 'vacated' by a higher court.