Regular Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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regular

[ˈrɛɡjʊlər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

expression

arranged or recurring at intervals

Synonyms

consistent, periodic, routine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regular

Use when you are describing something that happens at set times or intervals without major variation.

  • He takes his medication at regular intervals.
  • They have regular meetings every Monday.
consistent

Best for describing something that maintains the same quality or pattern repeatedly.

  • Her consistent performance earned her a promotion.
  • The team's consistent effort led to their victory.
routine

Used to describe a set of usual or habitual activities that are done regularly.

  • His morning routine includes a short jog and a cup of coffee.
  • The doctor performed the routine check-up.
periodic

Appropriate for something that occurs at intervals, but not necessarily at regular or frequent ones.

  • Periodic maintenance is required to keep the machinery running smoothly.
  • The committee holds periodic reviews of their policies.

Examples of usage

  • The team has regular meetings every Monday.
  • She has a regular exercise routine.
  • He visits his parents on a regular basis.
Context #2 | Noun

size

a person who attends or visits a place or event regularly

Synonyms

frequent visitor, loyal customer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regular

In a business context, to refer to someone who shows habitual purchasing or visiting behavior without necessarily being as dedicated as a loyal customer.

  • He's a regular at our bookstore, coming in almost every weekend
frequent visitor

Used when emphasizing the high frequency of visits, often implying more dedication or purpose in the visits.

  • As a frequent visitor to the library, he has read almost all the books in the history section
loyal customer

Best used in business contexts to describe someone who regularly buys products or services from the same company, showing loyalty and usually implying a positive relationship.

  • The loyal customer receives special discounts and early access to new products

Examples of usage

  • He is a regular at the local bar.
  • She is a regular customer at the bakery.
Context #3 | Noun

newspaper

a size of newspaper

Synonyms

copy, edition, issue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regular

Used for something that happens consistently or at evenly spaced intervals, such as routine events or standard sizes.

  • She has a regular check-up every six months
  • He is a regular customer at this café
edition

Used when talking about a particular version or printing of a book, magazine, or newspaper, often indicating changes or updates.

  • The second edition of the textbook includes new chapters
  • I have the limited edition of that comic book
issue

Refers to a single release of a periodic publication like a magazine or journal, or can denote a particular problem or topic of discussion.

  • Have you read the latest issue of the magazine? The main issue is how to improve the project
copy

Refers to a single example of a printed text, photograph, or other reproduction of an original work.

  • Can I borrow your copy of the book? She made a copy of the document

Examples of usage

  • I read the sports section in the regular.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In geometry, shapes like a regular triangle have equal sides and angles, representing balance.
  • Regular polygons are those with all sides and angles equal, such as squares and pentagons.
  • The concept of regularity in math helps in defining symmetry and patterns in nature.

Cultural Significance

  • In music, a regular beat creates a rhythm that is enjoyable and easy to follow.
  • In daily life, routines are often described as regular, helping people organize their time effectively.
  • The concept of customer loyalty is based on regular visit patterns, showing how people enjoy familiar places.

Health

  • Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health, contributing to both mental and physical well-being.
  • Health professionals often recommend regular check-ups to monitor and maintain health over time.
  • A balanced diet emphasizes the importance of regular meals to ensure good nutrition.

Psychology

  • Routine helps create a stable environment, positively impacting mental health and reducing anxiety.
  • People often find comfort in regular habits, as they provide predictability in their everyday lives.
  • Psychological research suggests that having a regular sleep schedule improves cognitive function and mood.

Origin of 'regular'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'regularis', which means 'according to rule'.
  • In the 15th century, 'regular' started being used to describe something that follows a pattern or is orderly.
  • Its root, 'regere', means 'to rule' or 'to guide', highlighting a sense of structure.

The word 'regular' originated from the Latin word 'regulāris', meaning 'of a rule'. It was first used in the 14th century to refer to something following a set rule or pattern. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various meanings related to consistency, frequency, and standard sizes. 'Regular' is commonly used in everyday language to describe something that is normal, routine, or in accordance with a particular standard.


See also: irregular, irregularly, regularity, regularize, regularly, regulars.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,062, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.