What does regularity mean?
Regularity describes the quality of following a consistent rule, pattern, or schedule. It commonly refers to something recurring at predictable intervals, as with public transport, rainfall, or scheduled events, but it can also describe orderly and dependable conduct or the mathematical consistency of a sequence. The word often implies reliability and predictability rather than merely sameness. Regularity can also have a negative sense when something occurs so consistently that it becomes conspicuous, as in “the regularity of his footsteps in the corridor.” In mathematics and the sciences, it describes patterns that can be described by a consistent rule. The term is closely associated with the idea of a rule or standard, and it is useful wherever order, repetition, and predictability are being discussed.
nounThe quality or state of being regular: occurring at consistent intervals, following a rule or pattern, or behaving in a consistent and orderly manner.
- The quality of occurring at consistent or predictable intervals.
- Conformity to a rule, standard, or established pattern.
- Consistency and steadiness in conduct, performance, or operation.
- The condition of a mathematical form or sequence having a consistent rule or pattern.
"The train service operates with great regularity, arriving within minutes of the published times."
"Local elections are held with strict regularity on the first Thursday in May."
"His regularity in attending the gym helped him recover from his injury."
"The mathematician was searching for regularity in the sequence."
Used when referring to several consistent patterns, recurring events, or instances of orderly behavior.
"The study examines regularities in the data across different seasons."
Regularity is what turns isolated events into a pattern—and a pattern into something we can predict.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does regularity come from?
Regularity entered English through the adjective regular and the related French and Latin vocabulary of rules and standards. Its immediate Latin source was regularitas, derived from regularis, meaning “in accordance with a rule.” Both belong to a wider family associated with Latin regula, “rule” or “straight line,” and related forms such as regal, rule, and rectory.
Related word forms
How regularity is actually used
In everyday use, regularity often emphasizes frequency or predictability. In technical and mathematical contexts, it can denote conformity to a rule or pattern.