The quality of occurring at predictable intervals or following a consistent pattern. Also refers to conformity to rules or standard procedures.
From Latin 'regularis' meaning 'according to rule', from 'regula' (rule, straight stick). The word entered English in the 14th century through Old French, expanding from legal contexts to describe any consistent pattern or behavior.
Regularity is fundamental to human psychology and civilization – we find comfort in predictable patterns and often interpret irregularity as a sign of problems or change. Interestingly, while we crave regularity in some aspects of life (sleep, meals, schedules), we simultaneously seek novelty and spontaneity, creating a constant tension between order and chaos in human experience.
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