Definition of Rule of thumb

1. Noun. A rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior.

Exact synonyms: Guideline, Guidepost
Generic synonyms: Regulation, Rule

Definition of Rule of thumb

1. Noun. A general guideline, rather than a strict rule; an approximate measure or means of reckoning based on experience or common knowledge. ¹

2. Noun. (attributive usually hyphenated) Approximated, guesstimated. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Rule Of Thumb

rule in
rule nisi
rule of bigeminy
rule of coss
rule of cy pres
rule of evidence
rule of grammar
rule of law
rule of morphology
rule of nines
rule of outlet
rule of reason
rule of recognition
rule of the road
rule of thirds
rule of thumb
rule on
rule out
rule over
rule the roost
rule the school
rule with an iron fist
rulebook
rulebooks
rulebound
rulebreaker
rulebreakers
rulebreaking
ruled
ruled on

Literary usage of Rule of thumb

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: Giving the Derivation, Source, Or Origin of by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer (1898)
"Rule of Thumb (Thé). A rough guess-work measure. Measuring lengths by the ... rule of thumb. In the legend oí Knockmany fin, Mr. Coul says :— 11 'That baste ..."

2. Railroad Curves and Earthwork by Calvin Frank Allen (1920)
"The principle involved has found expression in a " rule of thumb " which has ... It is evident that the " rule of thumb ' ' described applies correctly to ..."

3. Forest Mensuration by Herman Haupt Chapman (1921)
"A rule of thumb represents an attempt to formulate a simple rule which can be ... They are similar to the European rule of thumb—volume in cubic meters ..."

4. Railroads, Rates and Regulation by William Zebina Ripley (1912)
"Practically, classification based upon rule of thumb, 319.—The "spread" in classification between commodities, 319. — Similarly as between places, 320. ..."

5. Railroads, Rates and Regulation by William Zebina Ripley (1913)
"Practically, classification based upon rule of thumb, 319. — The "spread" in classification between commodities, 319. — Similarly as between places, 320. ..."

6. The Classical World by Classical Association of the Atlantic States (1916)
"And, for the teaching of Latin composition, a mere rule of thumb that is workable is ... If what is wanted is a "rule of thumb" that will really work, ..."

7. Getting the Most Out of Business: Observations of the Application of the by Elias St. Elmo Lewis (1919)
"We shall go further than Mr. Wells and divide these two general classes into three types: I—The rule-of-thumb man. 2—The practical or systematic man. ..."

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