ruler

Everyday

1. A ruler is a straight strip with marks, used to measure length and draw straight lines. tree →
2. A ruler is also a person who rules a country, like a king, queen or emperor. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: a measuring tool, usually 12 inches or 30 centimeters; rulers counted and bought; measuring from zero. In science and D&T: measuring lengths in mm and cm. In history and stories: rulers of kingdoms and empires, wise and cruel rulers.

Examples

• A ruler is 30 cm long. tree →
• How many rulers fit along a 2 m table? tree →
• Each ruler costs $1.50. tree →
• She measured the line with a ruler: 8 inches. tree →
• Use a ruler to draw a straight line. tree →
• Start measuring from the zero mark on the ruler. tree →
• The ruler of the kingdom was a wise old queen. tree →
• My ruler has centimeters on one side and inches on the other. tree →
• Rulers of ancient Egypt were called pharaohs. tree →
• She was a wonderful woman, and an able ruler. tree →

Note

A ruler often hides a length (12 inches = 1 foot, 30 cm). Trap: start measuring at the 0 mark, not at the very end of the ruler. A meter stick (USA: yardstick, 3 feet) is a long ruler. Trap: a «ruler» in a history text is a person, not a tool.

In Jewish tradition

A ruler is a leader or chief, such as a tribal prince; the Torah forbids cursing one.

Interpretation. The rabbis said the law protects the dignity of the leaders who keep justice, and it is paired with the ban on reviling God.

Examples

• Thou shalt not revile God, nor curse a ruler of thy people. (Torah EXO.22.28, JPS 1917) tree →
• And if thou knowest any able men among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.' (Torah GEN.47.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the rulers brought the onyx stones, and the stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate; (Torah EXO.35.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• Which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, (Writings PRO.6.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, all his servants are wicked. (Writings PRO.29.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David's. (Writings 1CH.27.31, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

A ruler often hides a length (12 inches = 1 foot, 30 cm). Trap: start measuring at the 0 mark, not at the very end of the ruler. A meter stick (USA: yardstick, 3 feet) is a long ruler. Trap: a «ruler» in a history text is a person, not a tool.