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Definition of legislative

legislative

/ˈlɛdʒ.ɪsˌleɪ.tɪv/
leg · is · la · tive
Adverb:legislatively
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legislative Lexical Profile

legislative Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having the power or authority to make, amend, or repeal laws; relating to a legislature or the process of enacting laws.

Example

"The constitution divides political authority among the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of government."

2

Enacted, ordained, or established by a legislature or statute.

Example

"Addressing the housing shortage will require comprehensive legislative reforms at both the state and federal levels."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for legislative
Antonyms
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• Rhymes for legislative

• Nearby Words

legionnaire
legislate
legislation
legislative
legislatively
legislator
legislature

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-17th century from Modern Latin legislativus, derived from Latin lex, legis ('law') and latus ('carried' or 'proposed', the past participle of ferre), from the phrase legem ferre meaning 'to propose a law'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Legislative. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/legislative
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