isonomy
Americannoun
noun
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the equality before the law of the citizens of a state
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the equality of civil or political rights
Other Word Forms
- isonomic adjective
- isonomous adjective
Etymology
Origin of isonomy
From the Greek word isonomía, dating back to 1590–1600. See iso-, -nomy
Explanation
You may not know the word isonomy, but you certainly know the principle: the idea that every citizen, regardless of wealth or status, is equal before the law. The idea of legal fairness is pretty universal, but the Ancient Greeks were the first known to have codified it in their political structure and laws. The pillars of isonomy are simple: No one is above the law; justice is meted out equally; and every citizen has a right to participate in the political process. Isonomy stands in direct opposition to tyranny and oligarchy. It is the principle that underpins Western democracy and the modern rule of law.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He suggested the definition of health as the maintenance of equilibrium, or an "isonomy" in the material qualities of the body.
From The Evolution of Modern Medicine A Series of Lectures Delivered at Yale University on the Silliman Foundation in April, 1913 by Osler, William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
