Noscitur a sociis

Definition

A Latin phrase meaning 'a word is known by the company it keeps.' It is a rule of statutory interpretation holding that the meaning of an ambiguous word should be determined by looking at the other words surrounding it in the statute.

Examples

• •Justice Kagan suggested that 'miscarriage,' flanked by 'loss' and 'negligent transmission,' should be read as similarly referring to non-intentional conduct.

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