Definition

Noun: 1. A basic rule or principle: A fundamental guideline or established procedure that governs how something is done or how a situation is handled. 2. A special rule in sports: Specifically in baseball, a rule adapted to particular conditions of the playing field.

Usage

• As a fundamental guideline:

  • Let's establish some ground rules before we begin the discussion.
  • One important ground rule for the workshop is that everyone's opinion is respected.

• In the context of baseball:

  • The umpire explained the ground rule about a ball getting stuck in the ivy on the outfield wall.

Advanced Usage

• "to lay down/set the ground rules": To establish the fundamental principles or procedures at the beginning of an activity.
  • The manager set the ground rules for the new project during the kickoff meeting.

Variants and Related Words

• Rule (n): A prescribed guide for conduct or action.
• Guideline (n): A general rule, principle, or piece of advice.

Synonyms

• Basic principle
• Fundamental guideline
• Operating procedure

Related Idioms

• Lay down the law: To set rules authoritatively (this is a stronger, more authoritarian phrase than setting ground rules).
  • The new coach immediately laid down the law about team discipline.

Noun

1. (baseball) a special rule (as in baseball) dealing with situations that arise due to the nature of the playing grounds