WordGarden.iocommandment
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kəmˈɑːndmənt/
US
- /kəˈmændmənt/
Meanings
Noun
a divine or religious rule that people are expected to obey
an authoritative rule or principle for behavior
Beyond the definition
A commandment isn't just any rule; it is usually a rule given by someone with significant authority—often a deity or a ruler. While the most famous examples are the Ten Commandments from the Bible—foundational laws for how people should live—you don't need to be religious to use the word. You might say your grandmother had a strict "no shoes in the house" commandment, or that a company follows a "customer is always right" commandment. It implies a directive that is important, serious, and often unyielding.
Commandments aren't suggestions; they are directives. They carry weight and expectation. A parent might issue commandments to their children ("Clean your room!") while offering requests to their adult friends ("Could you possibly help me move this weekend?"). The word evokes a sense of moral or authoritative guidance, even when the context is entirely secular.
A commandment is an authoritative instruction or divine law, often deeply rooted in religious beliefs and morality. Most famously, it refers to the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses in the Bible—principles such as "Thou shalt not steal" and "Honor thy father and mother." These commandments are considered fundamental tenets of faith that guide human conduct for millions of people.
However, the word "commandment" is not limited to religious contexts. It can be used more broadly to describe any strict rule or order imposed by someone in power. A king might issue a commandment demanding that taxes be paid, or a government might pass a commandment that governs public behavior.
The key element of a commandment is its authoritative nature. It's not merely a suggestion or a request; it is an instruction that carries the weight of power and expectation. To break a commandment often implies a transgression against a higher authority, whether divine or secular. You might jokingly say your dog has a "commandment" about getting belly rubs, but even then, the word choice suggests there is a non-negotiable expectation involved.
So, while deeply rooted in ancient tradition, "commandment" can describe any firm rule that demands obedience and carries significant weight—from sacred laws to household decrees.
Examples
- 1
Religious teaching
Many children learn the Ten Commandments in Sunday school.
- Phrasethe Ten Commandments
ten important religious rules in the Bible
- 2
Religious rule
One commandment tells believers to honor their father and mother.
- 3
Household rule
In our house, cleaning up after dinner was practically a commandment.
- Phrasepractically a commandment
treated as a rule that had to be followed
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- the Ten Commandments
- divine commandment
- moral commandment
- keep the commandments
Word family
Explore
- religious law
- moral obligation
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- commandmentnoun
Forms
- commandmentspluralnoun