Explanation at your level:
A statute is a law. It is a rule written by the government. You must follow it. It is very important for everyone in the country.
A statute is an official law passed by a group of people in the government. It tells us what we can and cannot do. For example, there are statutes about driving cars safely.
When we talk about a statute, we mean a formal, written law. It is different from a rule you might have at home or school because it is created by a legislative body like a parliament. If you break a statute, you might get in trouble with the law.
The term statute is used in legal and political contexts to refer to an act of a legislature. It is a formal, written document that provides the rules for a society. You will often see it in news articles discussing new regulations or rights.
In advanced English, statute denotes a legislative enactment that declares, commands, or prohibits conduct. It is distinct from common law, as statutes are codified by elected bodies. Understanding the nuance between the 'letter' and the 'spirit' of a statute is common in academic legal studies.
A statute represents the formal manifestation of legislative will. Etymologically derived from the Latin 'statutum', it signifies a fixed, established rule of law. Within a C2 context, one might discuss the 'interpretation of statutes' or the 'statutory framework' of a nation, reflecting a deep engagement with jurisprudence and constitutional theory.
30秒词汇
- A statute is a formal, written law.
- It is created by a legislative body.
- It is distinct from common law.
- It is a formal, academic term.
Think of a statute as a permanent, written rule that keeps society running smoothly. When you hear this word, imagine a big book of laws sitting in a government building.
It is not just a suggestion; it is a legal requirement passed by a legislative body, like a parliament or a congress. Because it is written down, everyone knows exactly what is expected of them.
You will mostly encounter this word in news reports, legal documents, or history books. It carries a sense of authority and seriousness that regular rules or guidelines simply do not have.
The word statute has a fascinating journey through time. It comes from the Old French word estatut, which itself traces back to the Latin statutum, meaning 'something set up' or 'established'.
The root of the word is statuere, which means 'to set up' or 'to place'. This makes perfect sense, as a law is essentially something 'set up' as a standard for everyone to follow.
In medieval times, it was used to describe royal decrees. Over the centuries, as democracy evolved, the term shifted from referring to a king's command to the collective decisions made by elected representatives in a legislative body.
In daily life, you probably won't use statute while chatting with friends, but it is essential in professional and academic settings. It is a formal term, so keep it for essays, legal discussions, or political debates.
Common phrases include 'statute of limitations', which refers to the time limit for starting a legal action. You might also hear about a law being 'codified by statute'.
When you use this word, you are signaling that you are talking about a specific, official law. It sounds much more precise and educated than just saying 'the law'.
While 'statute' is a formal word, it appears in several key legal expressions:
- Statute of limitations: A law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.
- Letter of the statute: Following the law exactly as it is written, rather than its spirit.
- Spirit of the statute: The underlying intent or purpose behind the law, rather than just the literal text.
- Statutory requirement: Something that is mandatory because a law says so.
- To be in violation of the statute: To have broken a specific, written law.
The word statute is a countable noun, so you can have one statute or many statutes. It is pronounced /ˈstætʃuːt/ in British English and /ˈstætʃuːt/ or /ˈstætʃuːt/ in American English, often with a slight 'ch' sound in the middle.
It rhymes with words like 'mute' (if you stretch the vowel) or 'flute', though the stress is firmly on the first syllable. Remember that it is often used with articles: 'The statute was passed' or 'A new statute'.
It is rarely used as a verb, so stick to using it as a noun. If you need a verb, use 'enact' or 'legislate'.
Fun Fact
The root 'statuere' is also the root for 'status' and 'statue'!
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with 'stat' as in static, ends with 'chute'.
Similar to UK, clear 't' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing as 'stat-yoot'
- Confusing with 'statue'
- Stressing the second syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Formal vocabulary
Requires formal context
Academic context
Clear pronunciation
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
高级
Grammar to Know
Noun usage
The statute is new.
Subject-Verb Agreement
The statutes are clear.
Articles
A statute is a law.
Examples by Level
The statute is a law.
statute = law
Simple noun usage.
We follow the statute.
follow = obey
Verb + noun.
It is a new statute.
new = recently made
Adjective + noun.
The statute is long.
long = many pages
Adjective + noun.
Read the statute.
read = look at words
Imperative.
The statute is clear.
clear = easy to understand
Adjective + noun.
Where is the statute?
where = location
Question form.
This is the statute.
this = the one here
Demonstrative.
The government passed a new statute.
Everyone must obey the statute.
The statute is written in the book.
He read the statute carefully.
The statute protects our rights.
Is this statute still active?
They discussed the new statute.
The statute changed last year.
The statute of limitations has expired.
The committee reviewed the proposed statute.
Violating the statute can lead to fines.
The statute was enacted in 1995.
They are lobbying to change the statute.
The court interpreted the statute strictly.
Many statutes are available online.
The statute applies to all citizens.
The legal team analyzed the statute for loopholes.
The statute provides a clear framework for compliance.
Critics argue that the statute is outdated.
The bill was signed into law, becoming a statute.
He cited the relevant statute during the trial.
The statute governs the conduct of public officials.
We must ensure our actions align with the statute.
The amendment modified the existing statute.
The judiciary is tasked with the interpretation of the statute.
The statute was drafted to address environmental concerns.
Legal scholars often debate the ambiguity of the statute.
The statute serves as a cornerstone of the legal system.
Compliance with the statute is mandatory for all entities.
The statute was repealed after much public outcry.
The case hinges on the wording of the statute.
The statute provides statutory protection for employees.
The jurisprudence surrounding the statute is quite complex.
The legislative intent behind the statute remains a point of contention.
The statute was codified to consolidate disparate regulations.
The court's ruling set a precedent for future statute interpretation.
The statute is a prime example of legislative overreach.
The constitutionality of the statute was challenged in court.
The statute provides the statutory basis for the agency's power.
The nuances of the statute require expert legal analysis.
常见搭配
Idioms & Expressions
"Letter of the statute"
Strict adherence to the written words.
He followed the letter of the statute perfectly.
formal"Spirit of the statute"
The intent behind the law.
We must consider the spirit of the statute, not just the text.
formal"Statute of limitations"
Time limit for legal action.
The case was dismissed due to the statute of limitations.
formal"Dead letter"
A law that is no longer enforced.
That old rule is a dead letter now.
casual"On the books"
A law that is currently active.
There are many laws on the books regarding traffic.
neutral"Statutory duty"
A responsibility required by law.
It is my statutory duty to report this.
formalEasily Confused
Similar pronunciation.
Statue is art; statute is law.
The statue is in the park; the statute is in the book.
Similar spelling.
Status is rank/condition.
What is your status?
Same root.
State is a nation or condition.
The state of the nation.
Often confused with regulation.
Statute is legislative; regulation is administrative.
The statute was passed by Congress.
Sentence Patterns
The statute + verb
The statute prohibits smoking.
Subject + enacted + the statute
They enacted the statute.
According to the statute
According to the statute, this is illegal.
The statute of + noun
The statute of limitations is five years.
Violate the statute
He did not violate the statute.
词族
Nouns
Adjectives
相关
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
常见错误
A statue is a sculpture; a statute is a law.
Statute is only a noun.
Statute implies government-passed law.
Status is your position or condition.
Standard pluralization applies.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Put a law book (statute) next to a statue in your memory.
When Native Speakers Use It
In news about new laws.
Cultural Insight
Statutes are the backbone of democratic law.
Grammar Shortcut
It's always a noun.
Say It Right
Ch-sound in the middle.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't confuse with statue.
Did You Know?
It comes from the Latin for 'to set up'.
Study Smart
Read legal news headers.
Improve Writing
Use 'statute' instead of 'law' for precision.
Listen Up
Listen for it in political podcasts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
STAT-ute: A STATe rule.
Visual Association
A stone tablet with laws carved on it.
Word Web
挑战
Find one statute in your local city code.
词源
Latin
Original meaning: Something set up.
文化背景
None, it is a neutral legal term.
Commonly used in US and UK legal systems.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Legal Proceedings
- cite the statute
- violate the statute
- interpret the statute
Government/Politics
- pass a statute
- repeal a statute
- draft a statute
Business Compliance
- statutory requirements
- in accordance with the statute
Academic Research
- statutory framework
- analysis of the statute
Conversation Starters
"Do you know any famous statutes?"
"Why do we need statutes?"
"How are statutes created in your country?"
"Is it hard to understand legal statutes?"
"What is the difference between a rule and a statute?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a law that you think is important.
If you could write a statute, what would it be?
Why is it important for laws to be written down?
Reflect on the importance of the rule of law.
常见问题
8 个问题Yes, it is a formal written law.
A statute is government-mandated.
No, use 'rule' or 'policy'.
The plural is 'statutes'.
They sound similar.
Mostly in formal or legal contexts.
A duty required by a statute.
Yes, by a legislative body.
自我测试
The ___ is a written law.
Statute is the word for a law.
What is a statute?
Statutes are laws.
A statute is a suggestion.
A statute is a mandatory law.
Word
意思
Don't confuse the two!
The government passed the statute.
The ___ of limitations prevents old cases.
Statute of limitations is the set phrase.
Which adjective relates to a statute?
Statutory is the correct adjective form.
A statute is the same as common law.
Statutes are enacted by legislatures, not judges.
Word
意思
These are common legal verbs.
The statute was codified.
得分： /10
Summary
A statute is simply an official law written down by the government for everyone to follow.
- A statute is a formal, written law.
- It is created by a legislative body.
- It is distinct from common law.
- It is a formal, academic term.
Memory Palace Trick
Put a law book (statute) next to a statue in your memory.
When Native Speakers Use It
In news about new laws.
Cultural Insight
Statutes are the backbone of democratic law.
Grammar Shortcut
It's always a noun.
例句
The local statute says you cannot park your car here at night.
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