Regulatory

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɹɛɡjʊlət(ɔː)ɹi/

Definitions

1. Associated with rules and frameworks that guide conduct Connected to the systems in place for ensuring compliance and governance Involving the oversight and establishment of standards across various areas and sectors
2. Pertaining to the creation and enforcement of rules governing behavior and processes
3. Involving the design and application of guidelines intended to control activities within a system

Etymology: In Latin, "regula" meant a straight rod or measuring stick, the kind a carpenter used to check that a line was true. It came from "regere," to guide or keep straight, which is also the source of "rex," king. English "ruler" comes from the same Latin word, in its sense of a measuring straightedge. The idea of a rule as a standard to follow grew out of that literal stick. Latin "regulare" meant to control by a standard, and English formed "regulate" from it. Adding the suffix "-ory," meaning relating to or serving a purpose, gives "regulatory," so a regulatory body is one that sets or enforces the standards others must follow.

Synonyms: controlling, supervisory, governing, regulating, administrative

Antonyms: nonregulatory, uncontrolled, unregulated, chaotic, anarchic