edict
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “edict” mean?
noun.an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts related to governance, law, or historical events, emphasizing the authority and power behind the communication. It suggests not only a command but also the weight of institutional power, distinguishing it from similar terms like "decree," which may lack the formal or official connotation.
Common Confusions
Edict implies a formal and authoritative command, while mandate usually suggests a more general instruction or requirement that may not carry the same weight of power or official sanction.
Example Sentences
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The king issued an edict banning all public gatherings.
Word Parts: How to Remember “edict”
Break “edict” into its parts: ex- (out of, from) + -dict- (say, speak). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ex-out of, from (Latin) -
Root:
-dict-say, speak (Latin)