Statutory Definition: What It Means in Law and Daily Use

Meaning 1：required by law (statutory)

statutory 🔊

/ˈstætʃəˌtɔːri/

adj.

Required or set by a written law, not just by custom or choice.

Statutory law document with rules icons on desk

required by law 🔊

➕

/rɪˈkwaɪrd baɪ lɔː/

adj.

Describes something that must be done or is official because a law or statute says so.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin statutum (decree) + -ory, meaning 'pertaining to a statute'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'statue' + 'ory' - a statue is set in stone, just as a law is fixed by statute.

📖 Example

Christmas is a statutory holiday in many countries, so most businesses are closed. 🔊 In many nations, Christmas is an official holiday defined by legislation, causing most companies to close.

🔗 Collocations

statutory requirement – A legal obligation that must be followed.

statutory holiday – A public holiday that is established by law.

statutory rights – Legal entitlements granted by a statute.

🔄 Synonyms

legal (adj.) – Relating to or based on law.

legislative (adj.) – Having the power to make laws or relating to legislation.

mandatory (adj.) – Required by law or rules; compulsory.

🚫 Antonyms

optional (adj.) – Not required; left to choice.

voluntary (adj.) – Done or given by free will, not by law.

discretionary (adj.) – Decided according to one's own judgment, not fixed by law.

🌱 Derivatives

statute (n.) – A written law passed by a legislative body.

statutorily (adv.) – In a way that is required or regulated by statute.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'statuere' (to set up). 'Statutum' became 'statute' in English. Statutory refers to rules established by written law, not custom.