What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
regulator
Example
The air conditioner has a built-in regulator that maintains the temperature at a constant level. [regulator: noun]
Example
The financial regulator is responsible for monitoring and enforcing regulations in the banking industry. [regulator: noun]
Example
The referee acted as a regulator during the game, making sure that both teams followed the rules. [regulator: noun]
governor
Example
The car's governor prevents it from going over a certain speed limit. [governor: noun]
Example
The governor of California signed a new bill into law yesterday. [governor: noun]
Example
The board of governors oversees the management of the university. [governors: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Governor is more commonly used than regulator in everyday language. Governor is a common term used in politics and mechanical engineering, while regulator is more commonly used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between regulator and governor?
Regulator is often used in technical or specialized contexts, making it more formal than governor, which is used in both formal and informal contexts.