B2verbformal2K

Regulate

UK /["/ˈreɡjuleɪt/","/ˈreɡjuleɪts/","/ˈreɡjuleɪtɪd/","/ˈreɡjuleɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈreɡjuleɪt/","/ˈreɡjuleɪts/","/ˈreɡjuleɪtɪd/","/ˈreɡjuleɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to control something by means of rules

In simple words: To control something by making rules or laws.

Examples

  • The government aims to regulate the financial markets to ensure fairness.
  • It is important to regulate your body temperature in extreme weather conditions.
  • Many countries have laws to regulate the use of pesticides in agriculture.
  • Doctors often advise patients to regulate their diet for better health.
  • The organization works to regulate the quality of water in urban areas.

Usage notes

Used in legal and governmental contexts. More formal than 'control'. Avoid in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

regulate + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'reg-u-late' — imagine a ruler (reg) laying down the law (ulate).

Collocations

  • closely
  • heavily
  • strictly
  • attempt to
  • seek to
  • be designed to
  • an attempt to regulate something
  • regulated by law
  • regulated by statute

Synonyms

  • control
  • manage
  • supervise
  • oversee
  • administer

Antonyms

  • deregulate
  • ignore
  • disorganize

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'regulator', which is a device that controls something.
  • Using 'regulate' with intransitive verbs incorrectly, e.g., 'regulate in'.
  • Mixing up with 'alleviate', which means to make something easier.