Commandment

/kəˈmændmənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A divine rule or law, particularly one of the Ten Commandments in the Bible.

One of the most well-known commandment is 'Thou shalt not kill.'

An authoritative order or instruction.

The general issued a commandment that all troops must be ready by dawn.

A principle that must be followed, often in a moral context.

The commandment to love others is central to many religions.

From Old French 'commandement', from Latin 'commandamentum'.

The Ten Commandments

The biblical set of laws given to Moses, representing core ethical principles.

ordinance

A piece of legislation enacted by a municipal authority.

precept

A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.

law

A system of rules recognized by a community or country.

A strong recommendation that feels like a rule.

She treats that advice like a commandment in her life.