Word
regulate
Phoneticsreg·u·late, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛɡjəˌɫeɪt/
UK/ɹˈɛɡjuːlˌeɪt/
Definitions
01to control by rules
B2 · Upper Intermediate Law Academic
v. to control an activity or process by using official rules or laws.
v. to control or direct a process, industry, or activity according to a set of rules, principles, or legislation.
日本語:規制する※
Español:reglamentar
“The government needs to regulate the banking industry to prevent another financial crisis.”
“National authorities must regulate the disposal of industrial waste to ensure that local ecosystems are protected from chemical contamination.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice when discussing industries or markets.
Antonyms
02to adjust a mechanism
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
v. to adjust a piece of equipment so that it works at the right speed or temperature.
v. to adjust a mechanism or physical system to ensure accurate and proper functioning.
日本語:調節する※
Español:regular
“This valve helps to regulate the flow of water through the pipes.”
“The internal thermostat is designed to regulate the temperature of the server room, preventing the hardware from overheating during peak usage.”
Usage
Takes a direct object, usually a physical property like 'flow', 'temperature', or 'pressure'.
03biological control
C1 · Advanced Science Academic · Technical
v. the way a living thing controls its own internal systems, like body heat.
v. to govern or direct the internal physiological processes of an organism.
日本語:調節する※
“Sweating is one way the human body helps to regulate its temperature.”
“The endocrine system works to regulate various biological functions by releasing hormones directly into the bloodstream.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “regulate” in context.
Verb
01. regulate activity
“The government introduced new laws to regulate activity in the financial sector.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“He also bought a pack of survival blankets - often used to help athletes regulate their body temperature - and places them on the remaining windows.” “Natural fibres like cotton and linen help to regulate body temperature and loose-fitting clothing allows room for the breeze to cool you down.” “Why is it taking so long for the government to regulate them, and what are the consequences of delay?” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin regulatus, perfect passive participle of regulō (“to direct, rule, regulate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from regula (“rule”), from regō (“to keep straight, direct, govern, rule”). Compare regle, rail. Displaced native Old English metegian.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/regulate
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0