Noscitur a Sociis: A Word Is Known by Its Companions

What Is Noscitur a Sociis?

Noscitur a sociis is a Latin legal maxim meaning "a word is known by the company it keeps." In contract interpretation, it means that when a word or phrase is ambiguous, its meaning can be determined by looking at the other words and phrases surrounding it. Context defines meaning.

How It Works

Consider this clause: "The supplier shall deliver the goods by truck, rail, or other carrier."

The word "carrier" is broad — it could include anything from a bicycle courier to an ocean freighter. But surrounded by "truck" and "rail," noscitur a sociis suggests "carrier" refers to land-based freight transportation of a similar scale.

How It Differs from Ejusdem Generis

Both doctrines use surrounding words to interpret ambiguous terms, but they apply differently:

• Ejusdem generis applies specifically when a general term follows a list of specific items (the general term is limited to the type of items in the list)
• Noscitur a sociis is broader — it applies to any ambiguous word in a group, not just a catch-all at the end. Each word in a list helps define the others.

Practical Examples

• "Damages, costs, and expenses" — if "costs" is ambiguous, the surrounding terms suggest it refers to litigation-related costs, not general business expenses
• "Salaries, wages, and compensation" — "compensation" in this context likely refers to employment-related payments, not investment returns
• "Repair, maintain, and preserve" — each word informs the scope of the others, suggesting ongoing physical upkeep rather than improvement or renovation

Why It Matters for Your Contracts

When drafting or reviewing a contract, the words you group together influence each other's meaning. A term that seems clear in isolation may take on a different scope when read alongside its neighbors.

When to Consult a Lawyer

Consider consulting an attorney if the interpretation of a grouped term in your contract is disputed and the outcome depends on how broadly or narrowly it is read.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.