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Regulation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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regulation

[ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

government

Regulation refers to laws or rules made by a government or other authority in order to control the way something is done or the way people behave.

Synonyms

guideline, law, rule.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regulation

Used for specific rules or directives made and maintained by an authority, often related to industries or activities. They ensure compliance and standardization.

  • The FDA has strict regulations for pharmaceutical companies.
rule

General directives or principles governing behavior within certain contexts, like games, organizations, or procedures. Rules can be formal or informal.

  • The school has a rule that students must wear uniforms.
law

Denotes formal rules established by a legislative body or authority with legal backing. Violating a law typically results in penalties or legal action.

  • Driving under the influence is against the law.
guideline

Refers to advice or instructions meant to inform and guide behavior or decisions. Guidelines are often not mandatory but recommended practices.

  • The World Health Organization issued new guidelines for handling infectious diseases.

Examples of usage

  • The new regulations will require all cars to have emission controls.
  • These regulations are designed to protect consumers from unfair business practices.
Context #2 | Noun

business

Regulation can also refer to the act of regulating or controlling something, such as a process or system.

Synonyms

control, management, supervision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regulation

Used when referring to official rules or laws set by an authority to control an activity or process.

  • The government introduced new regulations to reduce carbon emissions.
  • There are strict regulations governing the use of pesticides.
control

Employed when emphasizing the power to influence or direct behavior, processes, or functions.

  • The manager has tight control over company finances.
  • Parents should have control over what their children watch on TV.
management

Appropriate for discussing the organization, planning, and coordination of activities to achieve specific objectives.

  • Effective management is crucial for the success of any business.
  • She is responsible for the management of the project.
supervision

Best used when talking about overseeing the work or behavior of people to ensure tasks are completed correctly.

  • The construction site operates under close supervision to maintain safety standards.
  • Employees work more efficiently under the supervision of their team leader.

Examples of usage

  • The regulation of the temperature in the greenhouse is crucial for the growth of plants.
  • Strict regulation of financial markets is necessary to prevent fraud and abuse.
Context #3 | Noun

sports

In sports, regulation refers to the normal period of playing time in a game, before any extra time or overtime.

Synonyms

normal time, regular time, standard time.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regulation

Used to define rules or directives made and maintained by an authority.

  • The new environmental regulations will be implemented next year.
  • He was fined for breaking the safety regulations.
standard time

Used to refer to the local time in a specific region, usually the time set by law as opposed to daylight saving time.

  • Standard time in this zone is GMT+2.
  • Countries often switch from daylight saving time back to standard time in the fall.
regular time

Describes the usual schedule or duration for activities, often used interchangeably with 'normal time'.

  • During regular time, the store is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
  • Students attend classes during regular time on weekdays.
normal time

Refers to the expected or typical time for an event, often compared to extraordinary or additional time.

  • The game ended in normal time, without needing extra time.
  • Under normal time, employees work eight hours a day.

Examples of usage

  • The game ended in a tie at the end of regulation.
  • The team scored the winning goal in regulation time.

Translations

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

Origin of 'regulation'

The word 'regulation' originated from the Latin word 'regulatio' which means 'a directing or ruling'. The concept of regulation has been present in human societies for centuries, as a way to maintain order and control. In modern times, regulations play a crucial role in various aspects of life, from government and business to sports and entertainment.

See also: regulatability, regulatable, regulating, regulators, regulatory, unregulated.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,663, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.