statutory

Everyday

1. (formal, law) Statutory means set by law: something written in a statute, a law made by a parliament. tree →
2. (formal) Statutory also means required or official, something that must happen by the rules. tree →

In the lessons

In adult life and the news you meet «statutory sick pay», «statutory rights», «statutory holidays» (in Canada, «stat holidays»). In school, «statutory assessments» are tests the law says must be done, such as some tests in England. It is a stiff, official word, often in letters and exam questions.

Examples

• Schools must give statutory tests in Year 6. tree →
• Workers have a statutory right to holidays. tree →
• Mum got statutory sick pay when she was ill. tree →
• In Canada, Canada Day is a statutory holiday. tree →
• The council has a statutory duty to collect rubbish. tree →
• Children have statutory protection under the law. tree →
• This guidance is advice, not a statutory rule. tree →

Note

Formal word; in everyday talk say «by law» or «legal». Pronounced «STATCH-u-tree» or «STAT-yoo-tuh-ree». Do not confuse with «statue» (a carved figure) or «stature» (height, importance).