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Meaning & use

de jure

adjective, adverb·Advancedformallegal

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UK/deɪ ˈdʒʊəreɪ/
US/deɪ ˈdʒʊreɪ/

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a nounlegal

    Existing or recognized according to the law, whether or not it is true in practice.

    Grammar: Often before a noun: a de jure government; sometimes after one or as an adverb.

    Patterns

    • de jure recognition
    • de jure and de facto

    The country had a de jure monarchy, though the army held the power.

    The treaty gave de jure recognition to the new state.

    De jure segregation was ended by the court ruling.

  2. adverbnot comparablelegal

    By right or by law, as a matter of official status.

    Grammar: Appears after the verb or in a contrast with de facto.

    Patterns

    • de jure or de facto

    The area was part of the state de jure but ruled by rebels.

    He was de jure the owner of the land.

    Women were equal de jure, though not in daily life.

Common combinations

de jure and de facto
The leader was de jure president but de facto powerless.
de jure segregation
De jure segregation was banned by law.
de jure government
The exiled group claimed to be the de jure government.
de jure recognition
Several states offered de jure recognition.
de jure owner
The bank is the de jure owner of the house.

Synonyms and how they differ

legal
Legal is the plain everyday word, while de jure contrasts what the law says with what truly happens.
official
Official stresses formal approval, whereas de jure stresses legal right.
lawful
Lawful says something is allowed by law, but de jure suggests legal standing even if reality differs.
rightful
Rightful suggests moral or legal entitlement and is less technical.

Opposites

de facto

Word family

de facto adjective
existing in fact, whatever the law says
jurist noun
an expert in law
jurisdiction noun
legal authority over an area
jury noun
a group that gives a verdict in court

Commonly confused: de jure or de facto?

de jure vs de facto

De facto means existing in reality; de jure means existing by law. They are opposites.

Practice

The king was the ______ ruler, but the generals made every real decision.

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