ruler
ruler
Pronunciation
ruler /ruːlər/
ruu-: /ruː/ - This syllable contains the vowel sound as in "moon" or "flute."
ler: /lər/ - This syllable contains the "l" sound followed by a schwa and an "r" sound, similar to the end of "butter" or "doctor."
Word Form Variations
Singular: ruler
Plural: rulers
Verb (from which "ruler" is derived, meaning to govern or control): rule
Present Participle: ruling
Past Tense/Past Participle: ruled
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A person who governs or exercises control over a country, state, or people, typically holding a position of supreme authority.
Synonyms: sovereign, monarch, potentate, leader, governor, head of state
Antonyms: subject, citizen, follower, subordinate
A straight, flat strip of material (such as wood, plastic, or metal) with a calibrated edge, used for drawing straight lines or for measuring distances.
Synonyms: straightedge, measure, measuring stick, yardstick
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it describes an object; one might consider "freehand" as an antonym to its use)
Examples of Use
Books: "The young prince was destined to become a benevolent ruler, guiding his kingdom with wisdom and compassion." (From a historical fiction novel, The Chronicles of Eldoria)
Newspapers: "Economists are closely watching the decisions of the central bank's ruler, anticipating their impact on inflation." (From an article in The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publications: "Scientists used a precise ruler to measure the tiny variations in the experimental material's surface." (From a research paper published on Nature.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Long live the Queen! She is a true ruler of her people." (Dialogue from the movie The Royal Succession)
Television Series: "The ruler of the alien planet demanded tribute from the visiting explorers." (From an episode of the sci-fi series Cosmic Frontiers)
Video Game: Players collect various tools, including a flexible ruler, to navigate and build structures within the game world. (From the game Craftopia)
General Public Discourse:
"You can't just draw a straight line freehand; you need a ruler for that." (A common phrase heard in a classroom setting)
"Many citizens believe their current ruler has done an excellent job improving the country's infrastructure." (Heard in a political discussion forum)
10 Quotes Using Ruler
"A good ruler is a good servant." (Marcus Aurelius)
"Every man is a ruler of his own kingdom of thoughts." (James Allen)
"The ruler who is just to his people is like a father to his family." (The Quran)
"The best ruler is he who rules least." (Lao Tzu)
"A wise ruler makes his people happy, not his treasury full." (Confucius)
"The first duty of a ruler is to make his people prosperous." (Cicero)
"A true ruler is one who can command himself." (Seneca the Younger)
"No man is a good ruler unless he is first ruled by the law." (Plato)
"The ruler must be a philosopher, and the philosopher a ruler." (Plato)
"The ruler's power is in the people's trust." (Pericles)
Etymology
The word "ruler" has a fascinating double life, with two main meanings that actually come from the same ancient root!
At its core, "ruler" comes from the Latin word "regulare," which meant "to control by rule" or "to direct." This itself comes from "regula," meaning "rule" or "straight piece of wood." And even further back, it's connected to an even older Indo-European root "*reg-", meaning "to move in a straight line," and thus "to lead" or "to direct."
Here's how the two meanings of "ruler" developed:
A person who governs: This meaning came first, appearing in English around the late 14th century. It directly connects to the "to lead" or "to direct" sense of the root. A "ruler" was someone who ruled or governed a people or a country, essentially keeping things "straight" or in order.
A measuring tool: This meaning appeared shortly after, around the year 1400. This usage connects more to the "straight piece of wood" sense of the original Latin word "regula." A "ruler" in this sense is a tool that helps you make straight lines and measure things, ensuring they are "regular" or "straight."
So, you can think of it like this: both meanings of "ruler" are about keeping things straight – either a society (by a governing ruler) or a line (with a measuring ruler).
Phrases + Idioms Containing Ruler
Rule with an iron ruler: To govern or control with strict and often harsh authority.
The golden ruler: A moral principle of treating others as one would wish to be treated (a variation of "the golden rule").
Beyond the ruler's reach: Referring to something outside the control or jurisdiction of a governing power.
A ruler of hearts: Someone who commands great affection and loyalty from people.
Live by the ruler: To strictly adhere to rules or principles.
Under the ruler's thumb: Being completely dominated or controlled by someone in power.
Break out the ruler: To prepare to measure something precisely.
Bend the ruler to one's will: To manipulate or control circumstances to one's own advantage, even if it goes against established norms.
The unseen ruler: Referring to a hidden power or influence that controls events.
Measure with the same ruler: To apply the same standards or criteria to different situations or people.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of ruler from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
