Regulate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'regulate'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'regulate' originated from the Latin word 'regulatus', past participle of 'regulare', which means 'to control by rule, to guide, direct, or govern'. The concept of regulation has been a fundamental aspect of human society since ancient times, as rules and norms are necessary for maintaining order and harmony.


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.