English Reference
verb · noun

regard

v. · n.
US /ɹɪˈɡɑɹd/ UK /ɹɪɡˈɑːd/ re·gard

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to think of someone or something in a particular way.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    v.to look at someone or something steadily.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The old man stood in the doorway and silently regarded the strangers, his face showing neither welcome nor hostility.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.respect or admiration for someone.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The professor was held in high regard by both his colleagues and his students for his groundbreaking research in linguistics.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a particular part or feature of something.

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

    Simple

    The two cars are very similar in this regard.

    In context

    While the new policy is effective regarding costs, it fails in every other regard to address the needs of the employees.

  5. 05 B1 Intermediate Formal

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

Usage commonly regard · especially regard · generally regard

The family's lawyer has been firm in regards to online comments, saying he would "let nothing slide".

BBC News· 19 Aug 2026

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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin xno reguard
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated