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Decree vs Enact - What's the difference?

decree | enact |

As nouns the difference between decree and enact

is that decree is an edict or law while enact is purpose; determination.

As verbs the difference between decree and enact

is that decree is to command by a decree while enact is to make (a bill) into law.

decree

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • An edict or law.
  • * Bible, Luke ii. 1
    • There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Poor hand, why quiverest thou at this decree ?
  • (legal) The judicial decision in a litigated cause rendered by a court of equity.
  • (legal) The determination of a cause in a court of admiralty or court of probate.

    • Usage notes

    * It is accurate to use the word judgment' for a decision of a '''court of law''', and '''decree''' from a ' court of equity , although the former term now includes both.

    Derived terms

    * (l) * (l) * (l) * (l)

    Verb

    (d)
  • To command by a decree.
    • A court decrees a restoration of property.
  • * Bible, Job xxii. 28
    • Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee.

    Anagrams

    *

    enact

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (legal) to make (a bill) into law
  • to act the part of; to play
  • * Shakespeare
    • I did enact Julius Caesar.
  • to do; to effect
  • * Shakespeare
    • The king enacts more wonders than a man.

    Derived terms

    * enactability * enactable * enactably * enaction * enactor

    Related terms

    * act

    Noun

  • (obsolete) purpose; determination
    • (Webster 1913)