legislate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈlɛdʒɪˌsleɪt/
KK: /ˈlɛdʒɪˌsleɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To create or pass laws.
Example
The government will legislate new policies to improve education.
Tense Forms
Past: legislated
Past Participle: legislated
Conversation
Did you hear about the new proposals they want to legislate this year?
Yeah, I read something about it; some of them seem really important.
I think it's great when they actually legislate based on public opinion.
Absolutely! It makes a big difference when people feel heard.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
enact
ordain
decree
Antonyms
repeal
nullify
abrogate
transitive verb
Definition
To make or enact laws or rules through a formal process.
Example
The government plans to legislate new environmental protections next year.
Tense Forms
Past: legislated
Past Participle: legislated
Conversation
Did you hear they want to legislate new rules for public parks?
Really? That sounds interesting! What kind of rules?
I think they're aiming to legislate stricter noise regulations.
Root Explanation
Legislate → It is formed from "lex" (meaning law) and "-slation" (from "salire", meaning to leap or jump). The word "legislate" means to leap into law or to make laws.
Memory Tip
Think of 'law' ('lex') and the action of 'jumping into' ('salire') that law — that's how legislate means to create laws.
Visually Confused Words
unlegislative
legate