Regulating: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the management of rules and standards to ensure proper function and order in various systems or processes.

• The government is regulating the emissions of factories to reduce pollution.
• The thermostat is regulating the temperature in the room.

Implies exerting authoritative or directive influence over something or someone. Often used in situations where power or restraints are applied.

• He was controlling the company with a firm hand.
• The new manager is controlling the budget more strictly.

Usually refers to the exercise of authority, particularly in political contexts, involving legal and formal rules.

• The council is governing the small city efficiently.
• The organization is governing according to its bylaws.

Involves overseeing or monitoring tasks, operations, or people to ensure they are carried out correctly. Often used in workplace or educational settings.

• She is supervising the construction project.
• The teacher is supervising the students during the exam.

Regulating is typically used when referring to controlling or maintaining something according to rules or standards, often in an official or formal context.

• The government is regulating emissions to protect the environment.
• They are regulating the speed limits on the highway.

Adjusting is used when making small changes to improve something or make it more suitable for a particular purpose or condition.

• She is adjusting the brightness on her screen.
• They are adjusting their plans due to the weather.

Modulating is used when changing or controlling something to achieve a desired effect, often in a more technical or scientific context.

• The engineer is modulating the frequency of the signal.
• She is modulating her voice to express different emotions.

Balancing is used in contexts where achieving stability or equal distribution is important. It often refers to maintaining harmony or keeping different elements in proportion.

• He's balancing work and family life.
• The chef is balancing the flavors in the dish.

This word is often used in a legal or technical context where systems or processes need control and management to ensure they function correctly.

• The government is regulating the electricity market
• New laws regulating internet privacy are expected next year

A 'rule' refers to a prescribed guide for behavior or action, commonly found in games, organizations, and laws. It has a broader and more general application compared to 'directive'.

• One of the rules of the game is to never move the pieces backward
• Company rules must be followed to ensure discipline

A 'directive' is commonly used in official and organizational contexts to refer to an authoritative instruction or order from a higher authority.

• The EU issued a new directive on data protection
• The manager gave a directive to finish the project by the end of the month

This term is used when referring to something that is necessary or mandatory, often in legal, educational, or job-related contexts.

• Meeting the minimum requirements for the position is essential
• The course has several requirements for enrollment