Definition

1. Noun:
   • A doctrine that is taught; a religious or moral precept: A "commandment" is a rule or principle, especially one of divine origin, that is taught and must be followed.
   • Something that is commanded; an authoritative order: A "commandment" can also refer to any formal, authoritative command or directive.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Ten Commandments are central to the ethical teachings of Judaism and Christianity.
  • He followed the commandment to honor his parents.
  • The king issued a new commandment to his subjects.

Advanced Usage

• "The eleventh commandment": A humorous or ironic term for an important rule that is treated as if it were a divine commandment, often used to emphasize a strong social or personal rule.
  • In their family, "Thou shalt not be late for dinner" was treated like the eleventh commandment.

Variants and Related Words

• Command (verb/noun): To give an authoritative order; the order itself.
  • The officer commanded his troops to advance.
• Commander (noun): A person in authority who issues commands.

Synonyms

• Precept: A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.
• Injunction: An authoritative warning or order.
• Edict: An official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.
• Decree: An official order issued by a legal authority.

Related Phrases

• To keep/obey a commandment: To follow or adhere to a commandment.
  • The faithful strive to keep all the commandments.
• To break/violate a commandment: To act against a commandment.
  • Stealing violates one of the core commandments.

Related Idioms

• As if it were a commandment: Behaving as if a rule or suggestion is an absolute, unbreakable order.
  • She tidied her desk every evening as if it were a commandment.

Noun

1. a doctrine that is taught
   • the teachings of religion
   • he believed all the Christian precepts
2. something that is commanded