regulations

word · lemma: regulation

/ˌɹɛɡjəˈɫeɪʃənz/
reg-yuh-LAY-shuhnz
/ɹˌɛɡjuːlˈeɪʃənz/
reg-yoo-LAY-shuhnz

Definition

Official rules made by a government, organization, or authority to control how something is done. They are meant to keep things safe, fair, or organized.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used in formal, legal, workplace, school, or business contexts. Common collocations include 'safety regulations', 'government regulations', 'follow regulations', and 'strict regulations'. 'Rules' is broader and more everyday; 'regulations' sounds more official.

Example Sentences

These regulations are important for worker safety.

basic

Our school has new regulations this year.

basic

You must follow the regulations in this building.

basic

The company had to change its policy to meet new regulations.

natural

Honestly, the regulations are so strict that opening a small business takes forever.

natural

I get why the regulations exist, but some of them just feel outdated.

natural