Regulating: meaning, definitions and examples

⚖️
Add to dictionary

regulating

 

[ˈrɛɡjʊˌleɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

government

Controlling or maintaining the operation of something by rules or laws.

Synonyms

controlling, governing, supervising.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
regulating

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.
controlling

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.
governing

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.
supervising

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.

Examples of usage

  • The government plays a key role in regulating the financial industry.
  • Regulating the speed limit on highways helps ensure safety for all drivers.
Context #2 | Verb

biology

Adjusting the rate or timing of a biological process.

Synonyms

adjusting, balancing, modulating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
regulating

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

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

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

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.

Examples of usage

  • The body has mechanisms for regulating temperature.
  • Plants have methods for regulating water intake.
Context #3 | Noun

law

A rule or directive used to control something.

Synonyms

directive, requirement, rule.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
regulating

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
rule

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
directive

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
requirement

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

Examples of usage

  • The new regulation aims to improve workplace safety.
  • Compliance with regulations is mandatory for all businesses.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'regulare', which means 'to rule' or 'control'.
  • It has roots in the word 'rex,' meaning 'king', indicating a sense of authority and control.
  • The word has evolved over centuries, with references in texts dating back to the early 15th century.

Law and Governance

  • Regulating can involve creating laws to manage industries, like finance, healthcare, and the environment.
  • Governments often regulate markets to prevent monopolies and ensure competition, protecting consumers.
  • Regulatory bodies, such as the FDA in the U.S., oversee specific sectors to ensure safety and compliance.

Psychology

  • In psychology, self-regulating behaviors, like controlling emotions or impulses, are essential for personal development.
  • Regulatory strategies can help individuals manage anxiety and stress through techniques like mindfulness.
  • Children learn to regulate their feelings and behaviors through social interactions and guidance from adults.

Technology

  • With the rise of technology, regulating online platforms has become crucial to combat misinformation and protect user data.
  • Regulation in technology often involves balancing innovation with privacy rights.
  • Governments worldwide are increasingly focusing on regulating artificial intelligence to ensure ethical usage.

Environmental Science

  • In environmental contexts, regulating refers to managing resources to prevent overexploitation and protect ecosystems.
  • Policies that regulate emissions are vital for combating climate change and ensuring cleaner air.
  • Conservation efforts often involve regulating hunting, fishing, and land use to preserve biodiversity.

Translations

Translations of the word "regulating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 regulando

🇮🇳 नियमन

🇩🇪 regulierend

🇮🇩 mengatur

🇺🇦 регулювання

🇵🇱 regulowanie

🇯🇵 規制する

🇫🇷 régulation

🇪🇸 regulación

🇹🇷 düzenleme

🇰🇷 규제

🇸🇦 تنظيم

🇨🇿 regulace

🇸🇰 regulácia

🇨🇳 调节

🇸🇮 uravnavanje

🇮🇸 reglugerð

🇰🇿 реттеу

🇬🇪 რეგულირება

🇦🇿 tənzimləmə

🇲🇽 regulación

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,295 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.