rule out
/ruːl aʊt/
phrasal verb
Origin
Latin
regula — straight stick, bar, or pattern
Overview
Meaning Now
- To dismiss, exclude, or eliminate someone or something from consideration or possibility.
- To make something impossible by virtue of circumstances or facts.
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
rule out
Earliest period
19th century
Journey
The phrase originates from the physical act of drawing a line through a list or ledger entry to indicate that a specific item or candidate is no longer valid or applicable. It transitioned from a literal clerical action to a general idiomatic expression for logical exclusion.
Evolution
- Latin
regula
“straight edge used for drawing lines”
- Middle English
rule
“a measuring instrument; a standard”
- 19th century English
rule out
“to cross out with a line”
Metaphorical extension from drawing a line through an entry to signify its removal or invalidation
Connections
Word parts
rule
root
to exercise authority or mark with a line
out
other
away from consideration
Related across languages
French
règle
rule or ruler
Spanish
regla
rule or ruler
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Related to rule out
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.