regular

The word “regular” means happening at consistent, predictable intervals. In plain terms, happening predictably, or being the normal/standard version of something.

“Regular” is pronounced REHG-yuu-luh (/ˈɹɛɡjəlɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “regular” used in a sentence: “He goes for a regular checkup every six months.”

The opposite of “regular” — its antonyms — are irregular, non-regular and nonregular.

Depending on how it is used, “regular” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “regular” comes from Latin. From Latin rēgulāris, "conforming to rule," from rēgula ("rule, ruler").

“Regular” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Regular” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: happening at consistent, predictable intervals.

'Regular' means happening at even, predictable intervals, like a bus every ten minutes. 'Frequent' means happening often, but not necessarily on a set pattern. Something can be regular without being frequent, like an annual checkup, or frequent without being regular, like sudden bursts of rain through a day.

When 'regular' means happening at steady intervals, its opposite is 'irregular', 'sporadic' or 'occasional', describing events with no reliable pattern. In other senses the opposite shifts: for a regular shape it is 'irregular', and for a regular size it might be 'large'. Context decides which antonym fits.

'Regular' stresses a consistent, repeating pattern, especially in timing, like a regular heartbeat. 'Normal' means usual, standard or expected, without any idea of repetition, like normal body temperature. They overlap in casual speech, where 'regular' can also mean ordinary, as in a 'regular guy', but their core meanings differ.

Yes. Beyond steady intervals, 'regular' can mean evenly shaped or symmetrical, as in a regular hexagon; following the usual rules, as with a regular verb; or habitual and familiar, like a regular customer. It can even mean standard-sized, as in a regular coffee rather than a large one.