Noscitur a Sociis
/ˈnɒs.kɪ.tʊər ə ˈsoʊ.si.ɪs/
Definitions
- (phr.) A legal doctrine meaning 'a word is known by the company it keeps,' used to interpret ambiguous words or phrases by considering surrounding words.
The court applied noscitur a sociis to construe the ambiguous term in the statute by examining related words.
Forms
- noscitur a sociis
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Use noscitur a sociis when statutory or contractual language is ambiguous and surrounding words clarify meaning.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.