regulatory
UK: ˈrɛɡjʊlət(ə)ri | US: ˈrɛɡjələˌtɔːri
adj. relating to or enforcing regulations or rules
adj. serving to control or govern according to a system
regulatory = regulat<rule> + ory<adjective suffix>
- regulat (from Latin regula "rule, straight stick") → Implies measurement, order, or control.
- ory (Latin -orius → Old French -oire) → Forms adjectives meaning "relating to" or "performing the action of."
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin regula (a ruler or guideline), regulatory entered English via Medieval Latin regulatorius, reflecting the concept of systematic control. The suffix -ory (from Latin -orius) was added to denote function or relation, evolving into its modern sense of "enforcing rules." The word’s logic mirrors the transition from physical measurement (a ruler) to abstract governance.
The agency ensures regulatory compliance in the pharmaceutical industry.
Regulatory frameworks vary across countries.
She works in regulatory affairs for a tech startup.
The new law introduced stricter regulatory measures.
Regulatory bodies oversee financial markets to prevent fraud.