Regulatory

Definition

Regulatory pertains to or is concerned with the official rules and regulations that control actions and procedures within a specific system or activity.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈrɛɡjələˌtɔri/
• Respelling: REG-yuh-luh-tor-ee (with "REG" as in "regular," "yuh" as a quick, soft sound, "luh" as a neutral sound, "tor" as in "torque," and "ee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈrɛɡjʊlətəri/
• Respelling: REG-yuh-luh-tree (similar to American English, with "REG" as in "regular," "yuh" as a quick, soft sound, "luh" as a neutral sound, "tree" instead of "tor-ee")

In both dialects, "regulatory" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, "REG." The main differences lie in the final part of the word, with American English ending in "tor-ee" and British English often pronounced with a more clipped ending "tree." The pronunciation effectively captures the nuances of each accent, maintaining clarity and distinctiveness.

Etymology

"Regulatory" originates from the Latin "regulatus", the past participle of "regulare", meaning 'to control by rule, direct'. This is further rooted in "regula", signifying 'stick, bar, straight piece, ruler'. The addition of the "-tory" suffix typically denotes a relational adjective in English.

Derivatives

• Regulator
• Regulation
• Regulate
• Regulated
• Regulative

Synonyms

• Governing
• Directive
• Rule-making

Antonyms

• Non-regulatory
• Unrestricted
• Deregulated

Usage

The adjective "regulatory" is typically used to describe official rules, standards, or authorities that control or supervise activities, industries, or systems.

Related Terms

• Oversight
• Compliance
• Normative
• Jurisdiction
• Sanctioned

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Relating to an official rule or law that controls how something is done or operated.
• Example: The company must adhere to strict regulatory standards to ensure product safety.

• Concerning or done by an official organization that ensures compliance with laws and standards within a particular field or activity.
• Example: The regulatory body issued a fine for the corporation's unethical practices.

• Serving to control, direct, or adjust according to a set standard or requirement.
• Example: The regulatory mechanisms within the cell ensure its proper functioning.