regulate
REG-yoo-layt
/ˈreɡjuleɪt/
Control or maintain the rate, speed, or temperature of a machine or process so that it operates properly.
Implies bringing order, stability, or a desired standard to a system, rather than just changing it randomly.
The story behind the word. Regulate comes from the Latin 'regula', which was a straight piece of wood used as a ruler or guide. To regulate something is to keep it 'straight' and aligned with a standard, just like drawing a line with a physical ruler.
Word relationships
- control: Control can be absolute and arbitrary, while regulate implies adjusting to a specific rule, standard, or steady state.
- moderate: Moderate means to make less extreme, whereas regulate means to maintain at a precise, desired level.
- deregulate: Deregulate means to remove rules or systematic controls.
- disrupt: Disrupt means to throw a system into chaos, the opposite of keeping it regulated.
Commonly confused with
- adjust: Adjust is a single action of changing something; regulate is the continuous process of keeping it within proper limits.
Word family
- regulation (noun): A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority, or the act of regulating.
- regulatory (adjective): Serving or intended to regulate something.
- regulator (noun): A device or person that regulates something.
Collocations
- regulate temperature
- regulate flow
- highly regulated
- regulate growth
Example sentences
- "The human body must regulate its internal temperature, keeping it close to thirty-seven degrees Celsius regardless of external weather." A biological explanation of human survival.
- "The government decided to regulate the energy market to prevent sudden price spikes during extreme winter storms." Discussing government policy.
Memory hook
Think of a 'ruler' (regula) keeping lines perfectly straight. To regulate is to keep a system running straight and steady. Regulate keeps things straight and steady.
When not to use
Do not use when you simply mean to change something once; regulate implies ongoing, systematic control.
Fun facts
- The invention of the centrifugal governor (a mechanical regulator) by James Watt in 1788 was the key breakthrough that made steam engines safe and practical.
Related words
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