regulate
Meaning
to control or direct something by means of rules or laws
to adjust or control a machine, process, or system so that it operates correctly
Structure
Usage
the government agency was created to regulate the financial industry.
this valve regulates the flow of water through the pipe.
it's important to regulate your breathing during exercise.
Etymology
the word 'regulate' entered english in the late middle english period, derived from the late latin verb 'regulatus', the past participle of 'regulare', meaning 'to control by rule'. this latin verb was itself formed from 'regula', meaning a straight stick, ruler, or pattern, which is a diminutive form of 'regere', to rule or keep straight. the core semantic journey is from the physical concept of a straightedge used for measuring and aligning to the abstract concept of imposing order, control, and standard procedure. thus, to regulate is etymologically to bring something into line with a prescribed rule or standard.
Analysis
regul is from latin 'regula' meaning a straight stick, rule, pattern. its functional role is the core lexical root conveying the sense of 'rule'. ate is a verb-forming suffix of latin origin, indicating to make, act upon, or perform the action of the root.