regimental: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “regimental” mean?
Relating to or characteristic of a regiment, especially a military one, often emphasizing strict discipline, uniformity, and hierarchical order.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to or characteristic of a regiment, especially a military one, often emphasizing strict discipline, uniformity, and hierarchical order.
Extending beyond the military to describe any system, organization, or style that is rigidly uniform, strictly controlled, and characterized by meticulous order and discipline.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used similarly in both varieties. The UK, with its longer-standing regimental traditions, may use it slightly more in historical/social commentary.
Connotations
Identical connotations of strict uniformity and discipline in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency in both, but slightly higher in UK English due to more prevalent discussion of military and boarding school traditions.
Grammar
How to Use “regimental” in a Sentence
adjective + noun (regimental [noun])verb + adjective + noun (find something regimental)linking verb + adjective (be/become/seem regimental)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “regimental” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'Regiment' as a verb is rare but means to organize in a strict, sometimes oppressive way. (e.g., The school regiments its pupils from a very young age.)
American English
- 'Regiment' as a verb is rare but means to organize in a strict, sometimes oppressive way. (e.g., The program regiments every minute of the participants' day.)
adverb
British English
- 'Regimentally' is extremely rare and not standard. Use phrases like 'in a regimental fashion'.
American English
- 'Regimentally' is extremely rare and not standard. Use phrases like 'with regimental precision'.
adjective
British English
- The boarding school had a regimental approach to daily routines, with bells dictating every activity.
- He wore a tie in the regimental stripes of his old army unit.
American English
- The new manager's regimental style, with mandatory daily reports at 8 AM sharp, was deeply unpopular.
- The factory floor operated with a regimental efficiency that left no room for error.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Critically describing an overly rigid corporate culture: 'The company's regimental dress code stifles creativity.'
Academic
Analyzing social or organizational structures: 'The study examines the regimental nature of the Victorian education system.'
Everyday
Describing a very strict routine or environment: 'His daily schedule is absolutely regimental.'
Technical
In military history or sociology, describing the characteristics of a specific military unit or analogous systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “regimental”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “regimental”
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'He is a regimental' – incorrect). It is only an adjective.
- Misspelling as 'regimental' (missing the second 'e').
- Overusing in positive contexts; it's often critical.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it often is outside of literal military contexts. When describing actual army traditions (e.g., 'regimental colours'), it is neutral. When describing schools, offices, or routines, it typically criticizes excessive control.
They are often interchangeable, especially in the extended sense. 'Regimented' is more commonly used for the abstract concept of strict organization (a regimented routine), while 'regimental' can also refer directly to the attributes of a regiment (regimental insignia).
Not directly. You would describe a person's *style*, *approach*, or *demeanour* as regimental (e.g., 'He has a regimental manner'), but you wouldn't typically say 'He is regimental.'
A necktie bearing the distinctive coloured stripes (often diagonal) associated with a particular British army regiment. Wearing it signifies membership or affiliation with that regiment.
Relating to or characteristic of a regiment, especially a military one, often emphasizing strict discipline, uniformity, and hierarchical order.
Regimental is usually formal in register.
Regimental: in British English it is pronounced /ˌredʒ.ɪˈmen.təl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌredʒ.əˈmen.t̬əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the adjective form.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REGIMENT (a large military unit) + AL. If something is 'regimental', it's run like a strict army regiment.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION IS AN ARMY (A strictly controlled organization is metaphorically a regiment).
Practice
Quiz
In a non-military context, what is the most likely connotation of 'regimental'?