C1nounformal5K

Legislature

UK /["/ˈledʒɪslətʃə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈledʒɪsleɪtʃər/"]/

Definition

a group of people who have the power to make and change laws

In simple words: A group of people who make laws.

Examples

  • a democratically elected legislature
  • the **national/state legislature**
  • She is the youngest woman to be elected to the national legislature.
  • The legislature comprises a 212-member Chamber of Deputies elected for a four-year term.
  • The legislature passed a law to prohibit the dumping of nuclear waste.
  • The legislature voted narrowly to table a motion of no confidence in the government.
  • Each province has its own elected governor and legislature.

Usage notes

Used primarily in formal contexts when discussing government processes. Not suitable for casual conversations. Often used in discussions about politics.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'legis' sounds like 'ledge' and 'lature' like 'nature' — think of where laws grow and change.

Collocations

  • bicameral
  • unicameral
  • 109-member
  • be elected to
  • approve something
  • enact something
  • pass something

Synonyms

  • assembly
  • parliament
  • congress
  • council

Antonyms

  • executive
  • judiciary

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'legislation' — 'legislation' refers to the laws themselves.
  • Using it in informal contexts or slang.
  • Spelling mistakes due to pronunciation similarities.