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rule-governed

rule-governed

5.7
Following set instructions or fixed ways
  • adjective
translation icon : regido por reglas
  • Children's games are often based on rule-governed principles that everyone must follow.
  • rule-governed behavior

Examples

  • In some other social contexts, the rule-governed framework of games or rituals may allow antagonistic ethnic groups to interact in a more controlled and safer way than in less regulated spheres of social life.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Piaget defined morality as rule-governed behavior (Bredemeier & Shields, 1995).

    Academic text (2010)
  • All of those were sort of rule governed movements, choices that you made.

  • In the present study, we focused on legal rules and everyday rule-governed behavior.

    Academic text (1994)
  • In the present study, we argue for a more social perspective on the study of rule-governed behavior.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Another restriction, linked to the previous point, is that not all rule-governed behavior corresponds to a socially shared consensus about when it is acceptable for rules to be broken.

    Academic text (1994)
  • The scientist conducted experiments that illustrated the rule-governed nature of natural laws.

  • Many professions require rule-governed practices to ensure safety and compliance with standards.

Synonyms

regimented
vsrule-governed
1 6.5

Strict rules make people do the same things and limit their freedom

is about following rules but without the extreme strictness or loss of freedom
regulated
vsrule-governed
4.1

Controlled according to rules or laws

is about following any established guidelines including customs and natural laws
controlled
vsrule-governed
3.4

Kept within limits by careful management

focuses on following established rules or principles rather than mere restraint

Antonyms

26 4.9

Not controlled by rules or laws

5 7.4

A situation with no order or control and no leaders

How Regulated

regulated
4.1
rule-governed
5.7
informal
98 3.1
unregulated
26 4.9

Surface Forms

rule-governed positive

Morphology

rule-governed = rule + govern (transparent) = rule + govern + ed

The adjective is directly built from 'rule' + 'govern(ed)', meaning 'governed by rules'; learners who know 'rule' and 'govern(ed)' can readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

The word rule-governed comes from rule, meaning a set of instructions, and govern, which originally meant 'to steer' or 'to control' and is the same root as government. So a rule-governed activity is one that is guided or controlled by clear rules.