self-regulatory
|self-reg-u-la-to-ry|
🇺🇸
/ˌsɛlfˈrɛɡjəˌleɪtəri/
🇬🇧
/ˌsɛlfˈrɛɡjʊlətəri/
able to regulate itself
Etymology
'self-regulatory' originates as a Modern English compound: the prefix 'self-' (Old English 'self') combined with 'regulatory', which derives from Latin 'regulāris' via Late Latin/Old French and the verb 'regulate'. 'Regula' in Latin meant 'rule'.
'self-' is Old English 'self' (same, oneself). 'Regulate' comes from Latin 'regulāre' (from 'regula' meaning 'rule'), passed into Old French (e.g. 'regler') and Middle English before forming Modern English 'regulate' and the adjectival 'regulatory'. The compound 'self-regulatory' is a relatively recent Modern English formation built from these elements.
Initially the roots referred to 'rule' or 'making conform to a rule' (Latin 'regula'). Over time the sense broadened to processes that maintain internal stability or control; 'self-regulatory' now commonly means 'able to regulate itself' or 'relating to self-regulation'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
noun form of the adjective 'self-regulatory': the process or system of regulating itself (self-regulation).
Self-regulation is important in developmental psychology and organizational policy.
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Verb 1
verb form related to the adjective: to regulate oneself or to make a system regulate its own activity (to self-regulate).
Many online platforms attempt to self-regulate to avoid stricter government intervention.
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Adjective 1
relating to or capable of self-regulation; able to regulate one's own behavior or internal processes without external control.
The organization set up self-regulatory guidelines to reduce harmful content online.
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Adverb 1
adverbial form of 'self-regulatory' (rare): in a manner that involves or enables self-regulation.
The mechanism reacted self-regulatorily to restore balance after the disturbance.
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Last updated: 2025/10/17 04:07