Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person who rules a country because the monarch is too young, absent, or unable to rule: A regent governs temporarily on behalf of the true sovereign.
   • A member of a governing board, especially of a university: In an academic context, a regent is an official who helps govern an institution.

2. Adjective:

   • Acting as a ruler or regent: Describes a person or role that is exercising the powers of a monarch or governor temporarily.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Ruler):

  • The young king's uncle served as regent until he came of age.
  • During the emperor's illness, a regent was appointed to manage state affairs.

• Noun (Governing Board Member):

  • She was elected as a regent of the state university system.
  • The board of regents will meet to discuss the new policy.

• Adjective:

  • The prince-regent issued the decree in the king's name.
  • A regent government was established during the monarch's minority.

Advanced Usage

• "In the regent's name": Done by the authority of the regent.

  • Laws were passed in the regent's name during the interregnum.

• "Act as regent": To perform the duties of a regent.

  • The queen mother was asked to act as regent for her son.

Variants and Related Words

• Regency (n): The period of rule by a regent, or the office of a regent.

  • The novel is set during the Regency.

• Regentship (n): The position or term of office of a regent.

  • His regentship was marked by peace and prosperity.

Synonyms

• Steward: A person who manages another's property or affairs.
• Governor: A person in authority, especially one who governs a region or institution.
• Administrator: A person responsible for running a business, organization, etc.

Related Phrases

• Lord/Lady Regent: A formal title for a regent.

  • The Lord Regent held court in the capital.

• Board of Regents: The governing body of certain universities or institutions.

  • The Board of Regents approved the new curriculum.

Related Idioms

• To wield the regent's power: To exercise authority temporarily held from another.
  • As chancellor, he wielded the regent's power until the election.

Adjective

1. acting or functioning as a regent or ruler
   • prince-regent

Noun

1. someone who rules during the absence or incapacity or minority of the country's monarch
2. members of a governing board