RULEBOUND Meaning and
Definition
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Rulebound is an adjective that describes an individual or a group of people who adhere strictly to a set of rules, regulations, or guidelines. It refers to those who are bound by established rules and tend to follow them meticulously, often without questioning their validity or necessity. Rulebound individuals have a strong inclination to conform to the prescribed norms and regulations, and they find comfort and security in adhering to these guidelines. Their actions and decisions are primarily guided by a sense of duty and strict adherence to the rules that have been put in place.
These individuals find it difficult to deviate from the established guidelines or think outside the box. They may feel anxious or uncomfortable when confronted with situations that require improvisation or flexibility. The rulebound mindset can also extend to different spheres of life, such as work, relationships, and personal habits.
It is important to note that being rulebound is not necessarily negative, as it often contributes to maintaining order and stability within a system or organization. However, excessive rulebound behavior may lead to rigidity, inflexibility, and an inability to adapt to changing circumstances or new ideas.
In summary, rulebound refers to individuals or groups who strictly adhere to established rules, regulations, or guidelines, often with little flexibility or willingness to question or deviate from them.
Etymology of RULEBOUND
The word "rulebound" is a combination of two elements: "rule" and "bound". Here is the breakdown of their etymology:
1. Rule: The word "rule" comes from the Old English word "rūle" or "rȳle", which originally meant a straight bar used for measurement. It can be traced back to the Latin noun "regula", meaning a guide, principle, or straight stick.
2. Bound: In this context, "bound" is used as a suffix, which means being inclined or tending towards a particular state or condition. It comes from the Old English word "bunden", which means bound, tied, or fastened.
Combining these two elements results in "rulebound", which describes someone who is excessively dependent or inclined towards following rules or guidelines.
