While regimen and regiment may sound almost the same, these two are different words and not interchangeable. We use regimen as a noun to mean a systemic plan or a course of action, while regiment (the one with the letter “t”) is a noun referring to a body of soldiers or a large number of people or things. As a verb, regiment means “to organize and control people rigidly.”
To avoid confusing one for the other, remember that regiment and military have the letter “T.” Hence, associate regiment with the word “military.”
When to Use Regimen
We use regimen as a noun to mean a systematic plan or a course of action. While it might make one think of medicine or exercise, a regimen is often specifically applied to a plan to improve health. For example, using a medication, following a diet, or taking care of oneself.
Regimen as a Noun
Sasha follows a strict vegan diet regimen as a personal reference because the smell of meat makes her feel nauseated.
Despite her mother being on an appropriate medication regimen, she may still get an occasional asthma attack.
Regardless of the regimen he chooses, it’s essential to do it consistently every day and do other activities as much as possible.
When to Use Regiment
We use regiment (the one with the letter “t”) as a noun to refer to a large number of soldiers, typically consisting of several battalions. Moreover, regiments may be divided into companies, squadrons, or batteries. Additionally, another definition of regiment is a large number of people or things.
As a verb, we use regiment to mean “to organize people firmly, especially for regulation or controlling an entire country.” Also, it’s a transitive verb, which is a verb that needs an object.
Regiment as a Noun
A large number of soldiers
The regiment assigned to a very remote isle is ready to be deployed.
We passed by a regiment on their way to their military training.
The officer appointed by the governor concluded that even a regiment could not have controlled the crowd.
A large number of people or things
The cake left on the table was attacked by a regiment of ants.
A regiment of people flooded the streets outside the buildings after an earthquake happened.
While decluttering, I discovered a regiment of love letters written by my father on a photo album for my mother.
Regiment as a Verb
To organize and control people firmly
The soldiers had no choice but to regiment the many civilians who were protesting and causing a commotion.
During a dictatorship, it’s inevitable for the military to regiment individuals who are against the government.
Military officers were ordered to regiment the mass to maintain order.
Regimen vs. Regiment: What’s the Difference?
Despite regimen and regiment having a close spelling, they are different words and not interchangeable. The difference between regimen and regiment is we use regimen as a noun to mean a systemic plan or a course of action, while regiment (the one with the letter “t”) is a noun referring to a body of soldiers or a large number of people or things. As a verb, regiment means “to organize and control people rigidly.”
References:
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.) Regimen. In https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/regimen
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.) Regiment. In https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/regiment
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Regimen. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/await
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Regiment. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/regimen
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Regimen. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regimen
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Regiment. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regiment
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). ‘Regimen’ vs. ‘Regiment’. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/differences-usage-regimen-regiment-regime
