regard
Americanverb (used with object)
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to look upon or think of with a particular feeling.
to regard a person with favor.
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to have or show respect or concern for.
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to think highly of; esteem.
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to take into account; consider.
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to look at; observe.
She regarded him with amusement.
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to relate to; concern.
The news does not regard the explosion.
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to see, look at, or conceive of in a particular way; judge (usually followed byas ).
I regard every assignment as a challenge. They regarded his behavior as childish.
verb (used without object)
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to pay attention.
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to look or gaze.
noun
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reference; relation.
to err with regard to facts.
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an aspect, point, or particular.
quite satisfactory in this regard.
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thought; attention; concern.
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look; gaze.
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respect, esteem, or deference.
a high regard for scholarship.
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kindly feeling; liking.
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regards, sentiments of esteem or affection.
Give them my regards.
idioms
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as regards. as.
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with / in regard to, referring to; concerning: Also within regards to
With regard to the new contract, we have some questions.
verb
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to look closely or attentively at (something or someone); observe steadily
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(tr) to hold (a person or thing) in respect, admiration, or affection
we regard your work very highly
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(tr) to look upon or consider in a specified way
she regarded her brother as her responsibility
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(tr) to relate to; concern; have a bearing on
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to take notice of or pay attention to (something); heed
he has never regarded the conventions
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(preposition) in respect of; concerning
noun
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a gaze; look
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attention; heed
he spends without regard to his bank balance
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esteem, affection, or respect
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reference, relation, or connection (esp in the phrases with regard to or in regard to )
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(plural) good wishes or greetings (esp in the phrase with kind regards , used at the close of a letter)
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on this point
Usage
Although sometimes considered poor substitutes for about or concerning, the phrases as regards, in regard to, and with regard to are standard and occur in all varieties of spoken and written English, especially in business writing: As regards your letter of January 19. … Note that although in regards to and with regards to are generally considered poor usage, these less formal variants have become increasingly common.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have regardedperfect
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has regardedperfect 3rd person singular
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has been regardingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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am regardingprogressive 1st person singular
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have been regardingperfect progressive
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are regardingprogressive
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regardingparticiple
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is regardingprogressive 3rd person singular
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regardssingular 3rd person
Past
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had regardedperfect
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were regardingprogressive plural
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regardedparticiple
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regardedsimple
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was regardingprogressive singular
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had been regardingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of regard
First recorded in 1350–1400; (for the verb) late Middle English, from Middle French regarder “to look at” ( cf. reward ); equivalent to re- + guard ; noun derivative of the verb
Explanation
When you give someone a good, long look, you regard them. It can also mean "to believe," as in "I regard her as my best friend." Regard often means respect and admiration, as in "I have the greatest regard for my grandmother." Sometimes it's a greeting: you can send someone your regards, which means to tell them you said hello and wish them well. There's a famous song called, "Give My Regards to Broadway." On the other hand, you can use it as a sign-off on a letter. Instead of "Sincerely" or "Yours Truly," you can close with "Regards."
Vocabulary lists containing regard
Slider
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The Town with No Mirrors
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Vocabulary from Readings 3, Unit 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Spitballing from afar, the Un Certain Regard title that’s seized my attention is Zachary Wigon’s “Victorian Psycho,” a gothic horror film starring Maika Monroe and Thomasin McKenzie.
From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026
Ghaywan's new film Homebound, inspired by Peer's article, premiered at Cannes Film Festival's "Un Certain Regard" section this week, ending with a nine-minute long standing ovation.
From BBC • May 22, 2025
Un Certain Regard gathers a lineup of original or daring films.
From Seattle Times • May 14, 2024
The Weeknd is known for songs like "Blinding Lights" and "Starboy," while Depp played Isadora Duncan in 2016's "The Dancer," which screened in Cannes' Un Certain Regard category.
From Reuters • May 22, 2023
Regard for my sister’s credit and feelings prevented any public exposure; but I wrote to Mr. Wickham, who left the place immediately, and Mrs. Younge was of course removed from her charge.
From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
