The canon holds that an ambiguous word takes meaning from its context and the terms associated with it. It differs from ejusdem generis, which addresses general terms following specific enumerations.
It applies to words within a series.
Alternative Names:
Known by Its Associates|Associated Words Canon
Why it Matters?
The canon resolves ambiguity in policy definitions and contract terms where a word could carry a broad or narrow meaning, directing that the surrounding terms narrow it. A word appearing among specific technical terms takes a correspondingly technical meaning rather than its ordinary sense. Identifying the associated words and their shared characteristic is what makes the argument concrete rather than assertive.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
How does this differ from ejusdem generis?
What makes the argument concrete?
