Controlled: meaning, definitions and examples

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controlled

 

[kənˈtroʊld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

under authority

restrained, directed, or managed under authority

Synonyms

managed, restrained, supervised.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
controlled

Used when someone or something is under strict regulation or have authority over action. Frequently used in contexts like environments, substances, or actions.

  • His emotions were well controlled during the debate.
  • The scientists controlled the experiment to ensure accurate results.
restrained

Describes holding back or limiting action or behavior, often used in emotional or physical contexts. It often has a more negative or urgent connotation.

  • He restrained his anger during the meeting.
  • The police restrained the suspect.
managed

Used when referring to overseeing or administrating people, projects, resources, or tasks. It implies a degree of responsibility and organization.

  • She managed a team of engineers.
  • He successfully managed the company's finances.
supervised

Used when someone oversees an activity or a person to ensure tasks are completed correctly or rules are followed. Often has a formal or official connotation.

  • The teacher supervised the students during the exam.
  • He supervised the construction project to ensure safety standards were met.

Examples of usage

  • The situation was under controlled conditions.
  • He remained calm and controlled during the crisis.
Context #2 | Verb

manipulate

to exercise authoritative or dominating influence over; to manipulate

Synonyms

command, govern, manipulate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
controlled

Used when maintaining order or keeping something within limits, often implying calm and precision.

  • The situation was controlled to prevent panic
  • She spoke in a controlled manner
manipulate

Used when controlling or influencing someone or something in a skillful and often unfair or negative way.

  • He tried to manipulate his friend into lending him money
  • The results were manipulated to favor one side
command

Used when giving authoritative orders, typically in a military or authoritative context.

  • The general gave a command to his troops
  • You must obey the captain's command
govern

Used when managing or ruling a country, organization, or group, often in a formal or official capacity.

  • The country is well-governed
  • It takes wisdom to govern effectively

Examples of usage

  • He controlled the outcome of the experiment.
  • She controlled the situation with ease.
Context #3 | Noun

device

a device or mechanism for regulating or guiding a process or system

Synonyms

device, instrument, regulator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
controlled

Also means supervised or regulated, often implying authority or power over something.

  • The city is under controlled access to ensure safety during the event.
  • The company maintained a controlled flow of information.
device

Refers to a tool or piece of equipment made for a specific purpose, often electronic or mechanical in nature.

  • He used a GPS device to find his way.
  • The smartphone is a very versatile device.
regulator

Describes a device or mechanism that controls the operation of a machine or system, often in the context of maintaining stability or specific conditions.

  • The heating system includes a regulator to maintain the temperature.
  • A pressure regulator is essential in gas pipelines.
instrument

Typically refers to a precision tool used for scientific, medical, or technical purposes. It can also mean a musical instrument.

  • The doctor used a delicate instrument during the surgery.
  • She plays the violin, a beautifully crafted instrument.

Examples of usage

  • The temperature was maintained by a control.
  • The remote control operated the television.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'controlare,' meaning to 'monitor' or 'check.'
  • It has evolved through Old French 'controler' before entering English in the late 14th century.
  • The meanings have broadened from 'to verify' to 'to regulate' various aspects of life and behavior.

Psychology

  • Feelings of control can significantly impact mental health, promoting a sense of stability and reducing anxiety.
  • Over-controlling behaviors can lead to stress in relationships, affecting how people interact and trust each other.
  • The 'locus of control' concept in psychology describes how people perceive the control over events in their lives—internal (personal control) vs. external (outside forces).

Technology

  • In computer science, 'controlled' refers to managing processes and systems to ensure efficiency and security.
  • Industrial automation relies heavily on controlled systems to enhance productivity, often through the use of robotics.
  • Data control mechanisms in software are designed to maintain the integrity and security of information.

Education

  • Controlled environments in education allow for standardized testing to ensure fair comparisons of student performance.
  • Behavior management strategies in classrooms emphasize the importance of controlled practices to maintain a conducive learning atmosphere.
  • Differentiated instruction is a teaching method that controls the learning conditions based on each student's unique needs.

Popular Culture

  • In movies and literature, characters often struggle with being controlled, symbolizing themes of freedom vs. oppression.
  • The concept of being emotionally controlled or manipulated features prominently in many psychological thrillers and dramas.
  • Popular songs often explore the desire for control in relationships, reflecting the human experience of seeking independence or connection.

Translations

Translations of the word "controlled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 controlado

🇮🇳 नियंत्रित

🇩🇪 kontrolliert

🇮🇩 terkendali

🇺🇦 контрольований

🇵🇱 kontrolowany

🇯🇵 制御された

🇫🇷 contrôlé

🇪🇸 controlado

🇹🇷 kontrollü

🇰🇷 통제된

🇸🇦 مراقب

🇨🇿 kontrolovaný

🇸🇰 kontrolovaný

🇨🇳 受控的

🇸🇮 nadzorovan

🇮🇸 stjórnað

🇰🇿 бақыланатын

🇬🇪 კონტროლირებადი

🇦🇿 nəzarət olunan

🇲🇽 controlado

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,512, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.