What does regarded mean?
Regarded is the past-tense and past-participle form of the verb regard, meaning to consider or view someone or something in a particular way. It is especially common in the phrase 'regarded as', as in 'widely regarded as an expert', where it describes a person's or thing's perceived status. The word may also mean 'looked at' or 'paid attention to', although this sense is more literary than the evaluative one. Regarded often suggests a judgment held by a group or by public opinion, so phrases such as 'highly regarded' imply respect or esteem. In contrast, 'regarded with suspicion' shows that the evaluation can be negative. The word is useful when a statement is not intended as an objective fact but as a common or established way of seeing someone or something.
verbTo consider or think about someone or something in a particular way. As the past participle of regard, it can also mean 'considered' or 'treated' in a specified way.
- To consider or think about someone or something in a particular way.
- To view or treat someone or something as being something specific.
- To hold an opinion about someone or something.
- To pay attention to or take notice of someone or something.
"She is widely regarded as one of the country's leading experts in the subject."
"The proposal is widely regarded as a sensible solution to the problem."
"He regarded the warning seriously and changed his plans."
A person can be highly regarded without ever receiving an award: the word celebrates the respect of others.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does regarded come from?
The word derives from Old French regarder, meaning 'to look back at' or 'to consider', which was borrowed from the Latin regardere, formed from re- 'back' and gardere 'to look at'. English first used the related form regard, with regarded appearing as its regular past tense and past participle. The root also underlies related words such as guard and guardian, although their modern meanings have developed in different directions.
Related word forms
How regarded is actually used
Regarded is common in formal and semi-formal writing, especially in the construction 'regarded as'. It can also appear in literary contexts meaning 'looked at' or 'noticed'.
Easily confused with regarded
Regarded means considered or viewed in a particular way, whereas disregarded means paid no attention to or ignored.
Regarded means thought about or viewed in a certain way, whereas rewarded means given a prize or other benefit for something done.