regulatory
Relating to rules or directives issued by an authority
Examples
In a meeting
“Our team handles all regulatory compliance matters for the financial sector.”
Over coffee
“There's a ton of regulatory stuff we have to deal with before opening the restaurant.”
Why this word
controlling
Regulatory specifically relates to official rules and oversight by authorized bodies, while controlling broadly means exerting influence
supervisory
Regulatory involves enforcing rules and standards through formal authority, while supervisory just means overseeing work or activities
governing
Regulatory refers to rule-making and enforcement by agencies, while governing broadly means exercising authority or determining conduct
Usage tip
Use to describe frameworks, bodies, or requirements stemming from official rules. Common in business, healthcare, and finance contexts.
Etymology
Latin 'regula' (rule) + '-atory' (relating to) — pertaining to rules
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Related words
adhere
To stick firmly to a rule, standard, or decision
enforce
To make sure a rule or law is obeyed
enjoin
To legally prohibit or order someone to do or not do something
proscribe
To officially forbid or condemn something
severability
The legal principle that if one part of a contract is invalid, the rest remains enforceable
quorum
The minimum number of members required to be present for valid proceedings