Added 9 October 2026
regulate
/ˈɹɛɡ.jʊ.leɪt/ verb
Latin root: regulatus Wiktionary
verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about regulate at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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Fix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of.
regulate the temperature
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Bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage; impose regulations.
We cannot regulate the way people dress
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Shape or influence; give direction to.
experience often determines ability
Origin
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.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)