regard

To think about someone or something in a particular way.

• How do you regard his decision?
• We regarded the change as an improvement.
• Many people regard sleep as a waste of time.

How to use it: regard someone/something as something (We regard her as a close friend.); regard someone/something with something (They regard the proposal with suspicion.)

Similar words: consider, view, see

Common phrases: regard as important, regard with suspicion, regard someone highly, regard as necessary

To look carefully at someone or something.

• He regarded her silently.
• She regarded her reflection in the mirror.
• The child regarded the strange machine with wide eyes.

How to use it: regard someone/something with something (She regarded the stranger with a puzzled expression.)

Similar words: look at, observe, watch

Common phrases: regard someone silently, regard something closely, regard someone curiously

Respect or a good opinion that you have for someone or something.

• I have great regard for her.
• They held their coach in high regard.
• Her honesty earned her the regard of her colleagues.

How to use it: regard for someone/something (She has great regard for her former teacher.); hold someone in high regard (His colleagues hold him in high regard.)

Similar words: respect, esteem

Opposites: contempt

Common phrases: high regard, regard for someone, hold in regard, great regard

Used to say which subject or part of a situation you are talking about.

• We agree in this regard.
• She called with regard to my application.
• There are several concerns in regard to safety.

How to use it: with/in regard to something (I have a question with regard to the new rules.)

Similar words: respect

Common phrases: in regard to, with regard to, in this regard

A polite word, usually plural, written before your name at the end of a letter or email.

• She ended the email with 'Kind regards'.
• Write 'Best regards' before your name.
• His letter closed with 'Warm regards' and his signature.

Common phrases: kind regards, best regards, warm regards

Friendly greetings or good wishes that you ask someone to pass on to another person.

• Send my regards to Anna.
• My father asked me to pass on his regards.
• Please give your family our warmest regards.

How to use it: give/send someone's regards to someone (Please give my regards to your parents.)

Similar words: greetings, good wishes

Common phrases: send my regards, give my regards, warmest regards