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But also in colloquial English, "rule out" means "eliminate by logic". Like, "use the rules to take it out of possibility".
by wccrawford 5y ago
But also in colloquial English, "rule out" means "eliminate by logic". Like, "use the rules to take it out of possibility".
- dan-robertson 5y agoI don’t think this is an accurate definition or etymology. The phrase can mean “formally remove” or just “eliminate”. I think it always alludes to using a stick of wood to draw a line rather than a regulation or law.
- wccrawford 5y agoMy etymology might be completely wrong. No argument there. But as for the meaning, that's what it's always meant when I've heard it said. So it definitely means that, at least colloquially.
- zeroimpl 5y agoDefinitely agree here. I’ve never associated a physical ruler with the verb rule.
- deleted 5y ago[deleted]