WordGarden.iolegislative
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɛdʒɪslətˌɪv/
US
- /ˈlɛdʒəˌsleɪtɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to a legislature or the making of laws
Beyond the definition
Imagine a town needs a new park. It does not just happen - people discuss it, suggest ideas, debate the best location and features, and finally vote on whether to build it. That whole process of making rules for the town? That is legislative work. The word "legislative" describes anything connected to making laws.
You will often hear "legislative branch" when talking about government. That is the part responsible for writing and passing laws, like Congress in the United States or Parliament in the UK. A legislative body is simply a group of people who make laws. So if you read about a "legislative debate," it means lawmakers are discussing a proposed law.
The word "legislative" refers to anything connected to the making of laws. It is closely tied to the structure of government, especially the branch responsible for writing, debating, and passing laws.
At its core, legislative work involves discussion, debate, and decision-making about what rules a community, state, or nation should follow. This is not just about writing rules; it is about shaping public life through law.
You will encounter "legislative" most often when discussing government structures. The legislature (like the U.S. Congress, the British Parliament, or a state assembly) is the body of elected representatives tasked with drafting and passing laws. A legislative session refers to the period during which this body meets to conduct business.
Beyond formal institutions, "legislative" can also describe actions related to lawmaking. For example, a legislative initiative might be an effort to propose a new law. A legislative aide helps lawmakers with research and drafting bills. You might also hear about "legislative intent," which refers to the purpose behind a law as understood by the people who wrote it.
So whenever you encounter something related to the process of making laws, from the people involved to the actions they take, you are dealing with the legislative world. It is one of the main ways societies create change and set the rules people live by.
Examples
- 1
Committee work
The bill will be discussed by a legislative committee next week.
- 2
Government branch
Congress is part of the legislative branch of the U.S. government.
- 3
Approval
The mayor needs legislative approval before the new tax can begin.
- 4
Lawmaking period
During the legislative session, lawmakers focused mostly on housing and schools.
- Phraselegislative session
a period when lawmakers meet to work on laws
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Policy priorities
Healthcare reform is high on the legislative agenda this year.
- Phraselegislative agenda
the laws and policy changes lawmakers plan to discuss
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- legislative branch
- legislative process
- legislative authority
- legislative session
Word family
Explore
- legislature
- separation of powers
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- legislativeadjective