Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

spirit of the law

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.70 in modern English

Syllables: spir-it of the law
IPA

25

Scrabble Score

14

Letters

2

Syllables

12

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Either the intent behind a law's wording, or the reasonable effect that the law ought to be applied toward; the interpretation of the law towards the end of providing justice, even if this interpretation competes with one that is asserted to be overliteral, pedantic, or punctilious.

Phrases

honor in the breach more honored in the breach in spirit

Frequently Paired Words

antilegalism honor in the breach more honored in the breach in spirit legalism legalistic letter of the law

Questions

What does spirit of the law mean?: Either the intent behind a law's wording, or the reasonable effect that the law ought to be applied toward; the interpretation of the law towards the end of providing justice, even if this interpretation competes with one that is asserted to be overliteral, pedantic, or punctilious.

How to pronounce spirit of the law

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