statute
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
A formal written law enacted by a legislative body.
Any formally established rule, regulation, or fixed principle, especially within an organization, institution, or specific area of law.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to a law that has been formally codified and passed through a legislative process. In extended use, it implies something established and authoritative, often with a degree of permanence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning and legal usage are identical. Both refer to an Act of Parliament (UK) or an Act of Congress (US).
Connotations
Identical; carries the same formal, authoritative, and permanent connotations.
Frequency
Slightly higher in American English, particularly in university contexts ('statute of limitations', 'university statutes'). UK English uses 'Act' more commonly for specific laws (e.g., 'Human Rights Act'), but 'statute' is standard in legal and academic terminology.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NOUN + of + NOUN (statute of limitations)ADJECTIVE + statute (federal statute)VERB + statute (to enact/repeal/amend a statute)Preposition + statute (by/under/according to statute)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the statute book”
- “a statute of limitations”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Businesses must comply with statutes governing employment, taxation, and data protection.
Academic
The study of constitutional law requires a thorough analysis of key statutes and judicial interpretations.
Everyday
Less common in casual conversation. Might be heard as 'statute of limitations' regarding debts or crimes.
Technical
The court's interpretation of the statute was pivotal to the case's outcome.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- statutory (derived adjective)
- statutory rights
- statutory obligations
American English
- statutory (derived adjective)
- statutory authority
- statutory deadline
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The new statute is a very important law.
- The government passed a statute to protect the environment.
- The company's actions were illegal under the statute.
- The judge ruled that the local bylaw was inconsistent with national statute.
- Parliament has the power to repeal any statute it has previously enacted.
- The legal team's argument hinged on a novel interpretation of a century-old statute.
- His defence was that he had acted in accordance with the relevant statute and ministerial guidance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STATUE of a lawmaker. A STATUTE is a law they have formally written and 'set in stone'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A STRUCTURE / FRAMEWORK ('foundation of statute law'), LAW IS AN AUTHORITATIVE COMMAND ('enacted by statute').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать со 'statue' (статуя).
- 'Statute' чаще всего переводится как 'закон' (письменный, кодифицированный), а не как 'устав'. Для 'устава организации' чаще используется 'charter' или 'bylaws'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'statute' with 'statue' in writing and speech.
- Using 'statute' to refer to informal rules or guidelines.
- Misspelling as 'statut' (French influence).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a 'statute'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Law' is the general term for the system of rules. A 'statute' is one specific type of law: a formal, written enactment of a legislative body.
Yes, in the UK, an Act of Parliament is a statute. 'Statute' is the more general term used in legal systems worldwide.
It is pronounced /ˈstætʃuːt/, with the stress on the first syllable, rhyming with 'statue' and 'you'.
The adjective is 'statutory', meaning 'required, permitted, or enacted by statute' (e.g., statutory rights, statutory law).
Collections
Part of a collection
Law and Regulation
C1 · 46 words · Legal language and regulatory frameworks.