regard
High (C1)Formal to neutral; used widely in business, academic, and legal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To consider or think of something in a particular way; attention or concern shown toward someone or something.
A feeling of respect or admiration; a formal or official expression of attention or goodwill (often plural as 'regards'); a particular aspect or detail relating to something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, often used in passive constructions ('be regarded as'); as a noun, can mean 'respect' or denote a specific point ('in this regard'). The plural form 'regards' is used for greetings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal differences in core meaning. The verb form 'to regard' is slightly more formal in both varieties but is perhaps more consistently used in formal British writing.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'in regard to' is formal. American English often prefers 'with regard to' or 'regarding'. The closing 'Kind regards' is more common in British email conventions.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British formal/academic prose according to corpus studies. The phrase 'in this regard' is equally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
regard [object] as [complement]regard [object] with [emotion noun]be regarded as [complement]have regard for [object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in that regard”
- “in regard to”
- “with due regard”
- “have no regard for”
- “hold someone in high regard”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal communication: 'With regard to your inquiry...' or 'We hold our partners in high regard.'
Academic
Used to introduce topics or evaluate: 'Previous studies in this regard are limited.' or 'He is regarded as the foremost expert.'
Everyday
Often in set phrases: 'Give my regards to your family.' or 'I regard him as a friend.'
Technical
Less common, but can be used in legal or formal specifications: 'without regard to cost' or 'having regard to the provisions...'
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- He is held in the highest regard by his colleagues.
- The report pays little regard to the economic consequences.
- In that regard, I think we are in agreement.
American English
- She has earned the regard of the entire scientific community.
- The project proceeded without regard for the environmental impact.
- Send my regards to your sister when you see her.
verb
British English
- She is widely regarded as the best violinist of her generation.
- The law regards this action as a criminal offence.
- We regard your privacy with the utmost importance.
American English
- He's regarded as a pioneer in the field of robotics.
- The court must regard the precedent set in 1992.
- I don't regard that as a viable solution.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I regard him as my best friend.
- Give my regards to your mother.
- With regard to your application, we need more information.
- He is highly regarded in his profession.
- The committee acted without due regard for established procedures.
- In this regard, the two policies are fundamentally different.
- The theory is generally regarded as having been superseded by more recent research.
- They conducted the operation with scant regard for international law.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-GARD: to look at (garder in Old French = to guard, look at) something AGAIN, i.e., to consider it.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESPECT IS UP / VALUING IS SEEING (e.g., 'hold in high regard', 'look up to', 'see the value in').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'регард' (non-existent). The noun 'regard' (внимание, уважение) and verb 'regard' (рассматривать) are different from 'consider' (обдумывать). 'Regards' as greetings translates as 'привет', not 'отношения'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'regard' incorrectly without 'as': 'I regard him a friend' (incorrect) vs. 'I regard him as a friend.' (correct). Confusing 'in regard to' with 'in regards to' (the latter is non-standard).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is considered non-standard?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Regard' is more formal and often used in the pattern 'regard as'. 'Consider' can be used with or without 'as' in some contexts ('I consider him a friend' is acceptable). 'Consider' also has a stronger meaning of 'thinking about carefully'.
Use 'regards' primarily to send good wishes, typically at the end of messages: 'Best regards', 'Kind regards'. It is not used for the phrase 'in regard to'.
Both are correct and formal. 'With regard to' is slightly more common in business writing. 'Regarding' is a shorter, equally acceptable alternative.
Yes. You can 'have no regard for the rules' or 'hold someone in low regard'. It expresses a lack of respect or consideration.