What does regard mean?
Regard is a versatile word meaning to consider, respect, observe, or pay attention to someone or something. The most common modern use is in expressions such as “regard something as important” or “regard someone as a leader,” where it reports a judgment or opinion. It can also mean to view someone with respect or admiration, as in “I hold her in high regard,” or simply to notice and take notice of something. As a noun, a regard is a feeling of respect or consideration, while the plural “regards” is used particularly in greetings and letter closings. The word is common in formal, professional, and academic writing, but it is also natural in everyday conversation. Its long history reflects the idea of looking carefully at someone or something and therefore noticing what they are like or what they mean.
To consider or think about someone or something in a particular way.
"Many people regard the proposal as a worthwhile step toward improving public services."
Common in formal and professional writing, especially in the pattern “regard something/someone as...”
A feeling of respect, admiration, or consideration for someone or something.
"The teacher was held in high regard by generations of students."
The plural “regards” is used to convey greetings or good wishes, especially in correspondence.
Used especially in the expression “give/send my regards” and in the closing of letters to convey greetings or good wishes.
"Please give my regards to your family."
Regard originally meant looking back toward someone: the word comes from a compound meaning “to look back at” or “to watch over.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does regard come from?
Regard developed in the late Middle English period from Old French regarder, meaning “to look at” or “to look back at.” Old French regarder was formed from the Latin prefix re-, meaning “back,” and guardare, meaning “to look at” or “watch.” The English word originally carried the sense of looking carefully at someone or something, including looking back at a person as a sign of respect. Its modern meanings developed from this idea of attention, observation, and assessment. Related forms include disregard and regardless, while guardian and guarded come from the same Latin root guardare.
Related word forms
How regard is actually used
The phrase “with regard to” is formal and means “concerning” or “in relation to.” “Regard” is often used in reporting and academic writing to introduce an assessment: “They regard the policy as necessary.” The plural “regards” is customary in the expression “give/send my regards” and in the closing of letters.