Regulate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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regulate
[ˈrɛɡjʊˌleɪt ]
Definitions
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 |
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regulate |
Used when referring to enforcing rules, laws, or standards to ensure proper operation.
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control |
Implying having power over something or someone, often with the ability to direct or influence outcomes.
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govern |
Mostly used in the context of administering authority, especially within a political or organizational structure.
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manage |
Refers to the act of overseeing, directing, or handling tasks or responsibilities.
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supervise |
Involves overseeing the work or activities of others to ensure that tasks are completed properly.
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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.
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 |
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regulate |
Used when establishing rules or laws to manage systems, processes, or behaviors.
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control |
Used when exercising authority or power over something or someone, often to manage or restrict.
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adjust |
Used when making small changes or modifications to improve something or bring it into the correct state.
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modulate |
Used when adjusting or altering something, often in a nuanced or precise way, particularly in reference to signals or tones.
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balance |
Used when making sure different aspects or elements are in equal or correct proportions.
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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.