Noscitur a Sociis

In one sentence

A word's meaning is shaped by the words around it in a contract or document.

Plain English

Noscitur a sociis is Latin for "it is known by its associates." This rule says that when you're trying to figure out what a word means in a contract, you should look at the surrounding words for clues. A word takes on color and meaning from its neighbors. If a contract lists "red, blue, and green," you know "green" means a color, not the environmental movement or money.

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Example

A contract says a company will provide "chairs, tables, and fixtures." Because "chairs" and "tables" are movable furniture, the rule of noscitur a sociis suggests "fixtures" here means movable items too, not permanent building attachments.

Used in a sentence

“The judge used noscitur a sociis to determine that "supplies" in the contract meant office supplies, based on the other items listed nearby.”

Related terms

Plain Meaning Rule

When contract language is clear, courts interpret it by its ordinary meaning without looking elsewhere.

Ejusdem Generis

When specific items are listed followed by general words, the general words apply only to items of the same kind.

Contra Proferentem

Ambiguous contract language is interpreted against the party who wrote it.

Implied Contract

A contract where the parties' intent to be bound is shown by conduct rather than explicit words.

Offer

A proposal to enter into a binding agreement on specific terms.

Acceptance

Agreeing to the exact terms of an offer, creating a binding contract.

Consideration

Something of value exchanged by each party to make a contract binding.

Offeror

The person who makes an offer to enter into a contract.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.