regolare

Regolare is an Italian word that functions as both a verb and an adjective. As a verb, regolare means to regulate, adjust, or set something so that it works according to specific criteria. It can be used transitively, for example regolare un orologio, regolare la velocità di un motore, regolare i conti. It can also be used reflexively as regolarsi, meaning to regulate oneself or to act in a proper, appropriate way. As an adjective, regolare means regular, normal, or orderly, in contrast to irregolare (irregular).

Etymology and sense development stem from Latin regulāris, derived from regula, “rule.” The word entered Italian to describe both the act of applying rules or standards and the quality of conforming to them. Over time, regolare acquired specialized uses in technical, legal, and everyday language.

Usage notes and contexts include:

- Technical and mechanical: regolare a device or system to set its operating parameters, as in regolare la velocità or regolare la pressione.

- Finance and administration: regolare i conti or regolare una pratica, meaning to reconcile or settle accounts or procedures; to regolarizzare can mean to bring something into compliance with laws or standards.

- Adjective use: regolare describes something normal or orderly, such as un ritmo regolare or un esercito regolare, the latter meaning a regular army, as opposed to a militia or irregular force.

Related terms include regolazione, regolatore, regolamento, regolarità and regolarizzare.

See also: irregular vs regular, regulation, and related linguistic derivatives.