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regard

v. · n.
US //ɹɪˈɡɑɹd// UK //ɹɪɡˈɑːd// re·gard
  1. 1 to consider or view (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to think of someone or something in a particular way.

    to consider or evaluate someone or something in a specified manner; often takes a prepositional phrase starting with 'as'.

    Example

    Most people regard him as the best player on the team.

    Example

    The critics regard her latest novel as a masterpiece of contemporary fiction, noting its intricate plot and emotional depth.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the passive voice: 'is regarded as'.
    Pitfall
    He is regarded like a hero.
    He is regarded as a hero.

    When using 'regard' to mean 'consider', use the preposition 'as' rather than 'like'.

  2. 2 to look at (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    to look at someone or something steadily.

    to observe or gaze at someone or something, often with a particular expression.

    Example

    The cat sat on the wall and regarded me with cool, green eyes.

    Example

    The old man stood in the doorway and silently regarded the strangers, his face showing neither welcome nor hostility.
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  1. 3 respect or care (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    respect or admiration for someone.

    esteem, affection, or appreciative attention directed toward a person or entity.

    Example

    She has very little regard for her own safety when she goes climbing.

    Example

    The professor was held in high regard by both his colleagues and his students for his groundbreaking research in linguistics.
  2. 4 a specific detail (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a particular part or feature of something.

    a particular aspect, point, or detail of a matter.

    Example

    The two cars are very similar in this regard.

    Example

    While the new policy is effective regarding costs, it fails in every other regard to address the needs of the employees.
  3. 5 greetings (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Formal

    a polite way to send your best wishes to someone at the end of a letter.

    a formulaic expression of goodwill or courtesy, typically used in the plural as a closing in correspondence.

    Example

    Please give my best regards to your parents when you see them.

    Example

    He concluded the email with 'Kind regards,' maintaining a professional yet friendly tone for the business correspondence.

    Usage

    Almost always used in the plural form 'regards' in this context.
Etymology 1

From Middle English regard, regarde, reguard, from Anglo-Norman reguard, from regarder, reguarder. Attested in Middle English starting around the mid 14th century. Piecewise doublet of reward; compare also guard, ward, guardian, and so on.

Etymology 2

From Middle English regarden, from Old French regarder, reguarder. First attested in late Middle English, circa the early 15th century.

Etymology 3

Popularized about 2022 along with regarded.

Word family

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