What is regard? Pronunciation and usage in English

regard means . Learn how to pronounce and use regard through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of regard

regardverb

/rɪˈɡɑːd/
Definition & pronunciation of regard

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "regard" in English. It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • ˈrɛɡərd (British English) / ˈrɛɡɑːrd (American English)

Let's break this down further:

  • "re": Pronounced like "reh" – as in "red."
  • "g": Pronounced like a regular "g" – as in "go."
  • "ard": This is the tricky part. It’s a diphthong, which means it's a combination of two vowel sounds.
    • It starts like the "a" in "father" (a slightly open "ah" sound).
    • Then it quickly shifts to the "er" sound in "her."

2. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /ˈrɛɡɑːrd/ (British) or /ˈrɛɡərd/ (American)

3. Tips for Pronunciation:

4. Regional Variations

  • While the above is the most common, there might be slight regional variations. However, these are less common.

To help me give you even more targeted feedback, could you tell me:

  • Where are you located (roughly – country/region)? This helps me understand any potential regional pronunciation differences.
  • Are you trying to pronounce it in a formal or informal context?

Usage and examples with the word regard in English

Let's break down how to use the word "regard" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several distinct meanings and grammatical functions. Here's a detailed look:

1. As a Verb (Most Common Usage - To Consider)

  • Meaning: To think of something as being important, suitable, or true. It's a more formal way of saying "consider" or "think."
  • Examples:
    • “I regard him as a reliable friend.” (I think of him as a reliable friend.)
    • “The committee regards his proposal as innovative.” (The committee considers his proposal to be innovative.)
    • “We regard it as our duty to help those in need.” (We think of it as our duty…)
    • “She regards honesty as the most important virtue.” (She considers honesty…)

2. As a Verb (To Respect/Honor)

  • Meaning: To show respect for someone or something. It’s often used in a more ceremonial or formal context.
  • Examples:
    • “I regard the Queen with the utmost respect.” (I show the Queen the utmost respect.)
    • “He regarded his grandfather with great affection.” (He honored his grandfather.)
    • “The soldiers regarded the fallen comrades with solemnity.” (The soldiers showed respectful sorrow.)

3. As a Noun (A Matter of Opinion or Thought)

  • Meaning: A particular way of thinking about something; a point of view. It’s often used after phrases like "in," "with," or "to."
  • Examples:
    • “In regard to your question, I need more information.” (With respect to your question…)
    • “I have a different regard for his qualifications.” (I have a different opinion about his qualifications.)
    • “To regard the situation as hopeless is to give up.” (To look at the situation as hopeless…)
    • “She spoke with respect and regard for her elders.”

4. As a Noun (Formal Greeting - Less Common Now)

  • Meaning: A formal way of saying "hello" or "good day.” It’s a relatively formal and somewhat old-fashioned greeting.
  • Example: "Good regard to you." (More common in older literature or formal correspondence.)

Key Differences & When to Choose Which Meaning:

Feature Verb (Consider/Respect) Noun (Opinion/Thought) Noun (Greeting)
Function Action State of mind Greeting
Typical Phrases “I regard…”, “The committee regards…” “In regard to…” “Good regard…”
Formality Formal Formal Very Formal

Tips for Using "Regard":

  • Formal Tone: “Regard” generally carries a more formal tone than words like “think” or “consider.” It’s often suitable for writing and more formal speech.
  • Synonyms: Understand the synonyms to help you choose the best word for the context:
    • As a verb (consider): think, believe, view, contemplate.
    • As a verb (respect): honor, esteem, admire.
    • As a noun (opinion): opinion, view, perspective.

Resources for Further Exploration:

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  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., an essay, a conversation, writing a letter?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word regard

Idioms of the word regard

as regards somebody/something
(formal)relating to or in connection with somebody/something
  • I have little information as regards her fitness for the post.
  • As regards the first point in your letter…

Practice with vocabulary regard

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many experts ______ the latest scientific discovery as a significant breakthrough in the field.
  2. The management has expressed its deep ______ for the hard work put in by the entire team during the critical project phase.
  3. Before making a final decision, we must carefully ______ all available options and potential outcomes.
  4. The CEO's inspiring speech received universal ______ from the attendees at the annual conference.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. How do you ______ the recent changes in company policy? a) inspect b) regard c) behold d) consider

  2. The report provides detailed information ______ the environmental impact of the new construction. a) in connection with b) relating to c) with regard to d) because of

  3. The senior partners hold her in high ______ for her exceptional problem-solving skills. a) estimation b) view c) regard d) perspective

  4. Due to the unexpected technical issues, we had to ______ the project deadline. a) postpone b) extend c) delay d) forward

  5. It's crucial to ______ the cultural sensitivities of our international partners. a) appreciate b) respect c) observe d) acknowledge

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Many people consider Dr. Chen to be a pioneer in sustainable energy research. (Rewrite using "regard")
  2. We need to discuss the budget implications for the upcoming fiscal year. (Rewrite using "regard" or a related word form)
  3. The board held great admiration for her unwavering commitment to ethical practices. (Rewrite without "regard," using a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. Many experts regard the latest scientific discovery as a significant breakthrough in the field.
  2. The management has expressed its deep regard for the hard work put in by the entire team during the critical project phase.
  3. Before making a final decision, we must carefully evaluate all available options and potential outcomes.
  4. The CEO's inspiring speech received universal applause from the attendees at the annual conference.

Exercise 2:

  1. b) regard, d) consider
  2. a) in connection with, b) relating to, c) with regard to
  3. a) estimation, c) regard
  4. a) postpone, b) extend, c) delay
  5. a) appreciate, b) respect, d) acknowledge

Exercise 3:

  1. Many people regard Dr. Chen as a pioneer in sustainable energy research.
  2. We need to discuss the budget implications with regard to the upcoming fiscal year.
  3. The board held great respect for her unwavering commitment to ethical practices.

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