regulate

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb fix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of
  2. verb bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage; impose regulations
  3. verb shape or influence; give direction to

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

modulate

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