present participle of regard: looking at or thinking about someone or something in a particular way
She stood in the gallery, regarding the painting with admiration.
The cat sat on the windowsill, regarding the birds outside.
✦ From Middle English ‘regarden’, from Old French ‘regarder’, meaning “to look back, pay attention.”
to think about someone or something in a particular way; to consider or judge
Many people regard honesty as the most important quality in a friend.
The students regarded their teacher as a role model.
✦ From Old French regarder, from re- “again” + garder “to watch”. The sense of “consider, think of” developed in Middle English.
careful thought, attention, or respect shown toward someone or something
The company acts with full regard for the environment.
In this regard, your feedback is extremely valuable.
✦ Developed from the verb sense in Middle English, shifting from “looking at” to “consideration or respect”.
(formal or literary) to look at someone or something carefully or thoughtfully
The old painter stood back and regarded his canvas in silence.
The guard regarded the visitor suspiciously as she approached the gate.
✦ Same Old French origin as the primary verb sense, originally meaning “to look at again”.
to treat something as unimportant and not give it any attention
Please disregard my previous email; I made a mistake.
The teacher asked the students to disregard the last question on the test.
✦ From early 16th century: alteration of French disregarder or formed as dis- (expressing reversal) + regard.
lack of attention or respect
His disregard for safety rules put everyone at risk.
She showed complete disregard for the teacher's instructions.
