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regulate

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈrɛɡ.jʊ.leɪt/

KK: /ˈrɛɡjʊˌleɪt/

transitive verb
Definition

To control or manage something according to rules or standards, often to ensure it works properly or meets certain requirements.


Example

The government aims to regulate the financial industry to protect consumers.


Tense Forms

Past: regulated

Past Participle: regulated


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that they are going to regulate the noise levels in the park?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think that's a great idea! It can get really loud sometimes.
Sloth A
Exactly, it will make it more enjoyable for everyone.
Sloth B
For sure! I hope they stick to it and actually enforce the rules.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
control
manage
govern
Antonyms
disorder
neglect
ignore
Root Explanation

Regulate → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "gula" (from Latin, meaning throat or opening). The word originally referred to the act of controlling or directing something again, akin to managing the flow through an opening.

Memory Tip

Think of 'controlling something again' — 're-' means again, and 'gula' relates to directing flow, which helps you remember that regulate means to control or manage.

Visually Confused Words
reregulate
irregulate
regelate
relate
unregulated
preregulate
misregulate
irregulated
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