- Published on
(A proofreader's note regarding “regimen” and “regiment”)
Words “regimen” and “regiment” as nouns coexist,
The “t” of the latter forever distinct.
Their meanings are different, but “regiment” as verb
May hint a sure closeness and show the nouns linked.
For “regiment” in action a system will bring
And “organize rigidly” with order as end;
“Assigning to a regiment” or setting one up,
“A military unit” it sometimes will lend.
And thus we have “regiment,” a “military clutch,”
And “regimen” proper, its soundalike near.
Of “plan systematic” this “regimen” will tell,
With meanings in governance and elsewhere less dear.
“Regime” much more likely of “government” will speak,
Of “government in power” or “period of rule.”
Though many of its senses with “regimen” do match,
The management areas get most of the fuel.
“The concept of order in ‘regiment' the verb
Is echoed quite subtly in nouns like 'regime.'
With ‘plan systematic' and 'government real,'
There's order in 'regimen,' a thing we esteem.”