English vocabulary · C1
Fiat
/ˈfiːæt/ · n.
It means an official order given by someone in power, without a vote or debate.
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Example sentences
- The new policy was imposed by fiat, with no public input.
- The king ruled by fiat, and no one could question it.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- fiat — let it be done (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- decree (a formal official order is issued)
- mandate (authority requires compliance)
- edict (a proclamation comes from high authority)
Lesson notes
Fiat. It means an official order given by someone in power, without a vote or debate. The decision is simply declared.
Similar words are decree, mandate, and edict. Use fiat when power decides alone, with no vote.
The new policy was imposed by fiat, with no public input. The king ruled by fiat, and no one could question it.
From Latin. Fiat means let it be done. A fiat is a command that makes something happen just by being declared. That is fiat.