PRESCRIBED SUM Meaning and
Definition
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A "prescribed sum" refers to a specific and predetermined amount of money that is required by law, regulations, or an agreement to be paid or allocated. This term is commonly used in legal, financial, or contractual settings, where there is a need to specify the exact amount of money that is to be provided or accounted for.
The concept of a prescribed sum implies that the exact figure has been pre-established and cannot be changed or modified without proper authorization or due process. It often arises in situations where there is an obligation for a party to make a payment, contribution, or settlement in a specified amount.
The term "prescribed" in this context suggests that the sum has been formally imposed or set forth by an authoritative source, such as legislation, rules, contracts, or court orders. It signifies that the amount is not subject to negotiation or discretion, but rather must be adhered to as stipulated.
For example, in a legal context, a court may order a defendant to pay a prescribed sum as part of a settlement or judgment. In taxation matters, individuals or businesses may be required to remit a prescribed sum as a specified amount of tax owed to the government. In contractual agreements, parties may agree to pay a prescribed sum as a penalty, liquidated damages, or as compensation for breach of contract.
In summary, a prescribed sum is a fixed and predetermined amount of money that is legally or contractually obligated to be paid, and its particular value is explicitly defined in advance.
Etymology of PRESCRIBED SUM
The etymology of the phrase "prescribed sum" can be broken down as follows:
1. Prescribed: The word "prescribed" is the past participle form of the verb "prescribe". It originates from the Latin word "praescribere", which is a combination of "prae" meaning "before" and "scribere" meaning "to write". Thus, "prescribe" originally meant "to write before", specifically referring to writing instructions or orders beforehand.
2. Sum: The word "sum" comes from the Latin noun "summa", meaning "highest part" or "total". It is derived from the Latin verb "esse" meaning "to be". In this context, "sum" refers to a specific amount or quantity of something.
When combined, the phrase "prescribed sum" refers to an amount or quantity that has been officially ordered, set, or established beforehand.
