control
noun (uncountable)
UK/kənˈtrəʊl/US/kənˈtroʊl/
A device or mechanism used to operate something.
Example Sentences
Use the control to adjust the volume of the television.
She reached for the control to change the channel.
The pilot manipulated the controls to steer the airplane safely.
The remote control allows users to operate the air conditioner from a distance.
He learned how to use the engine controls to optimize performance.
The control panel displays various settings and options for the machine.
Adjusting the steering control is essential for maintaining the vehicle's direction.
They installed new controls in the elevator to improve its efficiency and responsiveness.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/kənˈtrəʊl/US/kənˈtroʊl/
To verify, keep track of, or monitor something.
Example Sentences
They control the quality of the products to ensure customer satisfaction.
She controls the financial records meticulously to avoid any discrepancies.
The security team controls access to the building through keycards.
He controls the temperature settings to maintain a comfortable environment.
The administrator controls the user permissions within the system.
They monitor and control the traffic flow to reduce congestion.
The manager controls the budget to keep expenses within limits.
To ensure safety, the engineer controls the machinery during operation.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To exercise command, manage processes, or regulate outcomes.This verb and noun commonly denote having authority, restraint, or management over a process, system, or situation. You might say “She controls the project budget,” indicating she oversees and manages the funds, or “The security system allows us to control entry to the building,” implying a mechanism to permit or deny access. As a noun, it can also refer to the mechanism or method used for regulation—“He reached for the volume control on the radio”—or a condition in an experiment that remains unchanged for comparison (“The control group received no treatment”). In everyday usage, it often suggests an ability to maintain order or stability, as in “I’m trying to control my emotions” or “Keep your dog under control.” Clarifying context is key: specify who or what is being controlled and how, whether you’re discussing emotional composure, systems oversight, or scientific experimentation. Adding details—like the tools, methods, or reasons for controlling—helps convey an accurate picture of the level and type of authority or regulation exercised.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid repeating “control,” several synonyms capture similar ideas. “Manage,” “govern,” or “direct” can emphasize guiding or overseeing a process. “Command” connotes a stronger or more authoritative direction, particularly in military or leadership contexts. “Regulate” often appears in policy or technical language, implying that clear rules and standards are being applied to keep something in check. “Restrain” and “curb” lean more toward holding back or limiting. In experimental or scientific work, “standardize” or “keep constant” might replace “control” when discussing conditions. For emotional or behavioral contexts, “compose oneself,” “contain,” or “maintain composure” can underscore self-regulation. Each alternative can refine the sense of oversight, constraint, or order you wish to convey, from gentle guidance to firm authority.
Writing
When writing, “control” can highlight central authority or the mechanisms by which something is monitored or constrained. In an essay about governance, you might say, “Tight controls on spending reduced the national deficit.” If analyzing a novel’s themes, you could note, “The protagonist struggles with control over her destiny.” In scientific or academic contexts, discussing control groups or control variables clarifies which parts of an experiment remain consistent for reliable comparisons—“Subjects were assigned randomly to control and experimental groups.” Sometimes you’ll use it to describe self-mastery—“He practiced mindfulness to control his anxiety.” To avoid repetition, synonyms like “regulate,” “govern,” or “manage” can keep your text varied. Always specify what is being controlled, whether it’s a resource, a process, or one’s own reactions. This clarity helps guide readers through your argument or narrative, revealing the extent and nature of the oversight or constraint at play.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “control” implies having the reins—whether over a situation, emotions, or belongings. You might say, “I need to control my spending,” if you feel you’re overspending, or “Who’s in control of the TV remote?” when deciding what to watch. It’s also common to mention controlling a pet or child’s behavior in a polite way—“I have to keep the puppy under control when guests arrive.” If you’re offering reassurance, you might say, “Don’t worry, I’ve got it under control,” suggesting you can manage the issue. If you notice you’re using “control” repeatedly, you can switch to casual phrases like “hold the reins,” “have a grip on,” or “stay on top of.” Whether referencing finances, technology, or daily responsibilities, “control” signals a sense of oversight or mastery. Just be mindful of the tone—using it too often or in certain contexts could sound heavy-handed or formal. When in doubt, keep it simple and direct to let people know you’re managing the situation effectively or seeking to do so.
Etymology
Derived from the medieval Latin term “contrarotulare,” literally meaning “to check against a duplicate roll,” “control” initially denoted verifying financial accounts or official records. Through Old French “contreroller,” it entered Middle English with a sense of examining and regulating. Over time, it expanded from auditing contexts to broader notions of mastery, oversight, or management—applied to everything from personal behavior to technical systems and governmental authority. In modern usage, this historical thread of ‘verifying’ or ‘overseeing’ remains, whether it’s controlling finances, overseeing a process, or striving for emotional restraint. Regardless of context, the core idea persists: balancing and regulating to keep something aligned with desired standards or expectations.