Word
legislative
Phoneticsleg·isla·tive
US/ˈɫɛdʒəˌsɫeɪtɪv/
UK/lˈɛdʒɪslətˌɪv/
Definitions
01related to lawmaking
C1 · Advanced Law Academic · Formal
adj. related to the process of making laws or the power to create them.
adj. relating to the enactment of laws or the exercise of lawmaking power.
日本語:立法※
“The government is planning new legislative changes to improve road safety.”
“The legislative agenda for the upcoming session focuses heavily on environmental protection and tax reform.”
Usage
Usually placed before a noun; often contrasted with 'executive' or 'judicial'.
Synonyms
02the lawmaking body
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Academic · Formal
n. the group of people in a government who have the power to make laws.
n. the branch of government or organized body of people vested with the power to make, amend, and repeal laws.
“The legislative met late into the night to discuss the new budget.”
“While the executive branch proposes the budget, the legislative must approve the final figures before they become law.”
Teaching tip
In modern English, 'legislature' is much more common as a noun than 'legislative'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “legislative” in context.
Verb
01. bypass the legislative process
“Critics accused the president of trying to bypass the legislative process through executive orders.”
verb + adj + noun
02. exercise legislative power
“In a democracy, the parliament exercises legislative power on behalf of the citizens.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
03. purely legislative
“The committee's role is purely legislative and does not involve enforcing the rules.”
adv + adj
Noun
04. legislative agenda
“The prime minister outlined an ambitious legislative agenda for the upcoming session.”
adj + noun
05. legislative body
“The national legislative body is responsible for debating and passing new tax laws.”
adj + noun
06. legislative framework
“The government is working to establish a robust legislative framework for artificial intelligence.”
adj + noun
07. legislative process
“Understanding the complex legislative process is essential for any political lobbyist.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Although a legislative proposal on PFAS has been promised, it is not expected to come before the end of 2026, European officials said earlier this year.” “In this role, she moved “beyond legislative matters to practical services,” such as offering English lessons to children and working adults, Faderman writes.” Etymology
From legislate + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/legislative
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0