Regulate: meaning, definitions and examples

⚖️

Add to dictionary

regulate

[ˈrɛɡjʊˌleɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

government control

To control or supervise by means of rules and regulations. To adjust to a particular standard or requirement. To bring under the control of law or constituted authority.

Synonyms

control, govern, manage, supervise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
regulate	Used when referring to enforcing rules, laws, or standards to ensure proper operation. The government needs to regulate the financial industry to prevent fraud. They regulate the temperature in the laboratory to maintain consistent results.
control	Implying having power over something or someone, often with the ability to direct or influence outcomes. She was determined to control her emotions during the stressful meeting. The company needs to control its spending to remain profitable.
govern	Mostly used in the context of administering authority, especially within a political or organizational structure. The mayor will govern the city according to new policies. The board of directors govern the company’s strategic decisions.
manage	Refers to the act of overseeing, directing, or handling tasks or responsibilities. She has to manage her time well to balance work and family life. He was hired to manage the new project team.
supervise	Involves overseeing the work or activities of others to ensure that tasks are completed properly. The teacher needs to supervise the students during the exam. She was promoted to supervise the customer service department.

Examples of usage

The government agency was created to regulate the industry and ensure fair competition.
The thermostat regulates the temperature in the room automatically.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

biological process

To control or adjust the rate or manner of a biological process. To maintain the normal physiological activity of an organism.

Synonyms

adjust, balance, control, modulate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
regulate	Used when establishing rules or laws to manage systems, processes, or behaviors. The government regulates the banking industry. New regulations have been introduced to regulate emissions from factories.
control	Used when exercising authority or power over something or someone, often to manage or restrict. The pilot had to control the plane during turbulence. She struggled to control her emotions.
adjust	Used when making small changes or modifications to improve something or bring it into the correct state. He adjusted his tie before the interview. You need to adjust the settings on your monitor.
modulate	Used when adjusting or altering something, often in a nuanced or precise way, particularly in reference to signals or tones. The technician modulated the radio signal. He modulated his voice to keep the audience engaged.
balance	Used when making sure different aspects or elements are in equal or correct proportions. She managed to balance her career and family life very well. The accountant must balance the books by the end of the month.

Examples of usage

The body regulates its temperature through sweating and shivering.
Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'regulare,' which means 'to direct or control'.
Originally, it referred to anything that was in order or arranged properly.
It first appeared in English around the late 15th century, mostly in contexts related to governance.

Science

In biology, organisms regulate internal conditions to survive, like keeping a steady body temperature.
Regulation is crucial in ecosystems, ensuring balance between species and their environments.
Chemical processes in our bodies are regulated by enzymes, which control how fast reactions happen.

Economics

Economic regulations can prevent monopolies, ensuring that businesses compete fairly.
Government agencies regulate industries like financial markets to protect consumers and ensure transparency.
Tax rates are another example of regulation that can influence economic behavior.

Health

Health regulations ensure that food and drugs are safe for public consumption.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulates health practices to prevent the spread of diseases.
Regulation of exercise and diet can help individuals manage their health effectively.

Technology

Regulations in technology often focus on data privacy, ensuring that companies protect personal information.
The concept of 'net neutrality' is about regulating internet providers to ensure fair access for all users.
In the realm of artificial intelligence, regulations are being developed to address ethical concerns and prevent misuse.

Translations

Translations of the word "regulate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 regular

🇮🇳 विनियमित करना

🇩🇪 regulieren

🇮🇩 mengatur

🇺🇦 регулювати

🇵🇱 regulować

🇯🇵 規制する (きせいする)

🇫🇷 réguler

🇪🇸 regular

🇹🇷 düzenlemek

🇰🇷 규제하다

🇸🇦 تنظيم

🇨🇿 regulovat

🇸🇰 regulovať

🇨🇳 调节 (tiáojié)

🇸🇮 urejati

🇮🇸 stjórna

🇰🇿 реттеу

🇬🇪 რეგულირება

🇦🇿 tənzimləmək

🇲🇽 regular

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,220, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4217 consumed
4218 actors
4219 invested
4220 regulate
4221 occupy
4222 programming
4223 stared
...