The spelling of the word "over rules" can be broken down phonetically as follows: /əʊvə rʊlz/. The first syllable "over" is pronounced with a long 'o' sound, followed by the schwa sound 'ə' and 'v' sound. The second syllable "rules" is pronounced with a 'r' sound, followed by the 'oo' sound and the 'l' sound, finally the 'z' sound. The word "over rules" means to have power or authority over someone or something or to disallow something.
Overrule is a verb that typically refers to the action of revoking or negating a previous decision, ruling, or judgment, particularly in a legal or authoritative context. When someone overrules, they disregard or set aside a previous ruling or decision, usually made by someone in a position of authority, such as a judge, a referee, or a higher-ranking official. By doing so, the overruling individual exercises their power to nullify or alter the original decision.
Overruling often occurs when a superior authority or a higher court reviews and deems incorrect or inappropriate the decision previously established by a lower court or a lower-ranking official. In such cases, the overruling action supersedes and displaces the earlier ruling, replacing it with a new decision. This allows for correction of errors, clarification of legal interpretation, or reconciliation of conflicting judgments.
Overruling can also happen when a group or body votes or decides to reject or overturn a previous determination. This is common in parliamentary or legislative processes, where decisions are subject to modifications based on changing circumstances or new information.
Overall, overrule refers to the act of invalidating, reversing, or replacing a prior decision, ruling, or judgment with a subsequent, often more authoritative or accurate, decision.
The word "overrule" is derived from Middle English, specifically from the Old English word "oferrēolan" which meant "to ride or go over, surpass". In the 15th century, the term "overreulen" emerged in Middle English, meaning "to dominate, to rule over". Over time, this evolved into the modern term "overrule", which refers to the act of rejecting or reversing a decision made by someone of lower authority.