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de jure

Latin Phrases
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Meaning “by law,” it describes something recognised legally. It contrasts with actual practice.

Detailed Definition
De jure denotes formal legitimacy, whether or not it reflects lived reality. Poets may juxtapose it with de facto to explore injustice, hypocrisy, or aspiration. The term’s technical precision heightens contrast between ideal law and flawed human implementation.
Example
Example in poetry:
A legal-themed poem could note de jure rights denied in practice; A protest poem might contrast de jure freedom with lived oppression; A historical ballad may refer to a de jure king lacking power; A philosophical lyric could explore tension between de jure ideals and reality.
Additional Notes
De jure denotes formal legality and is often juxtaposed with de facto in poems addressing justice or inequality. Its inclusion foregrounds questions of legitimacy and authority. In literary analysis, it can help distinguish between symbolic and actual power. The phrase’s technical register reinforces themes of law, governance, and moral order.
Also Known As
By law Legally
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