Definition

Verb: 1. To include or consider as a possibility after evaluation; to decide that something is applicable or valid based on rules, evidence, or a formal process. This verb is often used in contexts like medicine, investigations, or formal decision-making to indicate that an option has not been eliminated and remains under consideration.

Usage and Examples

The verb "rule in" is typically used with an object (a person or thing being considered). It describes the act of officially accepting something as a possibility.

• Basic Usage:
  • The doctor could not rule in a diagnosis of infection without further tests. (The doctor could not officially consider an infection as the likely cause yet.)
  • The detective ruled in foul play after reviewing the evidence. (The detective decided that foul play was a valid possibility.)
  • We must rule in all potential causes before making a decision. (We must include all potential causes for consideration.)

Advanced Usage

• "to rule someone/something in (for something)": To formally include a person or thing as a candidate or option for a specific role or category.
  • The committee ruled her in for the final round of interviews. (The committee decided she was a candidate for the final interviews.)
  • The new symptoms ruled in the possibility of a more serious condition. (The new symptoms made a more serious condition a valid consideration.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rule out (verb): The direct antonym, meaning to eliminate or exclude as a possibility.
  • The test helped to rule out several diseases.
• Ruling (noun): An official decision.
• Rule (noun/verb): The base word, meaning a regulation or to govern.

Synonyms

• Include (as a possibility)
• Consider (formally)
• Admit (into consideration)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Rule on (something): To give an official decision about something.
  • The judge will rule on the admissibility of the evidence tomorrow.
• Rule against/for: To make a judgment against or in favor of someone/something.
  • The court ruled against the company.

Notes on Usage

"Rule in" is often used in contrast with "rule out." While "rule out" is more common, "rule in" is specifically used to affirm that an option is viable or probable based on an assessment. It implies a deliberate, often expert, judgment.

Verb

1. include or exclude by determining judicially or in agreement with rules