Close in meaning

Regime vs. Regimen

Regime usually means a government or a system of rules for running something, often a strict one. Regimen means a planned routine for health, such as a diet, exercise plan or medicine schedule.

Word	Part of speech	Meaning
regime	noun	a government in power, or a system of rules and control, often a strict one
regimen	noun	a set plan of diet, exercise, medicine or care meant to improve or protect health

Regime

noun: a government in power, or a system of rules and control, often a strict one

Under the new coach's regime, practice starts at six sharp.
The museum displays coins from the old regime that once ruled the region.

Regimen

noun: a set plan of diet, exercise, medicine or care meant to improve or protect health

Her doctor put her on a regimen of daily walks and less salt.
My brother's skin care regimen takes five minutes each night.

How to remember the difference

Regimen ends in -men, and men and women follow a regimen at the gym. Regime is shorter but bigger: it runs a whole country or company.

Good to know

Dictionaries also accept regime for a health plan, as in an exercise regime, and this is common in British English. In American writing, regimen is the safer word for diet, exercise and medicine, since regime often suggests a government.

Spot the mistake

The castle served as the seat of power under the old ~~regimen.~~ regime.
Correct: The castle served as the seat of power under the old regime.

Check yourself

Pick the word that fits each sentence.

1. The physical therapist designed a of stretches for my knee.

2. The office became much stricter under the new director's .