regimen
REH-jih-muhn
/ˈredʒɪmən/
A prescribed course of medical treatment, way of life, or diet for the promotion or restoration of health.
Implies a strict, disciplined, and organized plan.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'regere', meaning 'to rule' or 'to guide'. A regimen is a set of rules you use to 'rule' your own health and habits.
Word relationships
- routine: A routine is habitual and casual; a regimen is disciplined and often prescribed.
- program: A more general term for a set of activities.
Commonly confused with
- regime: A regime is a government; a regimen is a personal health plan.
Word family
- regiment (noun/verb): A permanent unit of an army; to organize according to a strict system.
Collocations
- daily regimen
- strict regimen
- exercise regimen
Example sentences
- "He followed a strict regimen of exercise and diet that allowed him to compete well into his forties." A biography of a famous athlete.
- "To see results, you must adhere strictly to this medication regimen for the full thirty days." A doctor giving instructions to a patient.
Memory hook
A regimen is like a 'regiment' of soldiers—it requires strict discipline. A regimen rules your routine.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'regime', which usually refers to a government or a system of management.
Fun facts
- In the 14th century, the word was used to describe the act of governing a city or country before it became a medical term.
Explore more words
prescribe, routine, remedial, regulation, intervention, prophylactic
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