regent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Historical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “regent” mean?
A person appointed to govern a state because the monarch is a minor, absent, or incapacitated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person appointed to govern a state because the monarch is a minor, absent, or incapacitated.
A member of the governing board of a university or other institution; used in titles for certain high officials or in names of streets, buildings, and companies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In the UK, strongly associated with historical figures (e.g., Prince Regent). In the US, commonly used in the names of universities, businesses, and hotels (e.g., Regent University, Regent Street).
Connotations
UK: historical monarchy, tradition. US: institutional governance, commerce, and education.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to historical discourse; more common in US English in proprietary names.
Grammar
How to Use “regent” in a Sentence
regent of [country]regent for [monarch]regent during [period]serve as regentVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “regent” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The prince regent period saw distinctive architectural styles.
- She was appointed to the regent committee.
American English
- He is a regent professor at the state university.
- The meeting was held in the Regent Ballroom.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in company names (e.g., 'Regent Hotels').
Academic
Common in historical and political studies; also refers to members of a university's governing board.
Everyday
Very low frequency, mostly encountered in place names or historical discussion.
Technical
Used in constitutional law and historical texts to describe a specific role in governance.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “regent”
- Using 'regent' interchangeably with 'king' or 'queen' (it implies deputising power).
- Misspelling as 'regant' or 'regeant'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'regent of' a person (correct: 'regent for').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a regent rules on behalf of a monarch who is unable to rule, making the role temporary and deputising.
No, 'regent' is not used as a verb in modern standard English.
The term 'regent' is gender-neutral. A female holding the position is also called a regent.
They are often named after a historical regent, such as the Prince Regent (later George IV) in the case of Regent Street in London.
A person appointed to govern a state because the monarch is a minor, absent, or incapacitated.
Regent is usually formal, historical, academic in register.
Regent: in British English it is pronounced /ˈriːdʒənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈriːdʒənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the regent's name”
- “play the regent”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a REGal presidENT who rules temporarily – a REGent.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNANCE IS STEWARDSHIP (a regent is a temporary steward of power).
Practice
Quiz
In a modern university context, a 'regent' is typically: