Word
overrule
Phoneticsover·rule
US/ˈoʊvɝˌɹuɫ/
UK/ˌəʊvəɹˈuːl/
Definition
v. to decide that a previous decision or law is not valid. This usually happens when a higher authority, like a judge or a boss, changes the original choice.
v. to annul or set aside a previous decision, ruling, or law by a higher authority. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“The judge decided to overrule the jury's verdict.”
“The supreme court chose to overrule the lower court's decision, citing a new interpretation of the constitution.”
“While the initial committee rejected the proposal, the board of directors eventually overrule their decision, recognizing the long-term strategic benefits of the merger.”
Examples
simple
“The judge decided to overrule the jury's verdict.”
contextual
“The supreme court chose to overrule the lower court's decision, citing a new interpretation of the constitution.”
complex
“While the initial committee rejected the proposal, the board of directors eventually overrule their decision, recognizing the long-term strategic benefits of the merger.”
Real-World Examples
“With such a change, political leaders who overrule the science would have to do so on the public record.” “Judges at the High Court overrule the Parole Board's decision to release Glyn Razzell.” Etymology
From over- + rule.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/overrule