The spelling of the word "ruler" is fairly straightforward, with five letters that represent four distinct sounds: /ru:lər/. The initial sound is an alveolar trill /r/, followed by a long vowel /u:/, and then a voiced alveolar lateral approximant /l/. The final sound is a schwa /ə/, which represents a reduced vowel sound that is commonly found in unstressed syllables. Overall, the IPA transcription of "ruler" accurately reflects the English spelling conventions and pronunciation of this common word.
A ruler is a noun that refers to a person who holds a position of supreme governing power or authority over a group of people or a territory. This could include individuals such as kings, queens, emperors, presidents, or prime ministers, among others. A ruler typically exercises significant control and influence over the laws, policies, and decision-making processes of a nation or state.
In addition to its application in government and politics, a ruler can also refer to a tool used for measuring or drawing straight lines. This type of ruler is typically a long, flat strip made of wood, plastic, or metal, marked with a series of evenly spaced measurements, such as inches or centimeters. It is commonly used in mathematical, architectural, and engineering applications to accurately measure distances or to draw straight lines.
Furthermore, the term "ruler" can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is dominant, influential, or in command in a particular field or domain. For example, one might refer to a prominent businessperson or industry leader as a ruler in the business world. This usage conveys a sense of power, control, and authority held by the individual in their respective area of expertise.
A governor; an instrument with a straight edge or side for drawing straight lines.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word ruler has its roots in the Old English word rægle, which means a straight strip of wood or metal used for drawing straight lines. It is derived from the Latin word regula, which also means a straight rod or ruler. The Latin word itself comes from the earlier Greek word regula or reglos, meaning a straight piece of wood or a rule. Ultimately, the word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *reg- meaning to move in a straight line, which also gives rise to words like regulate and regime.