The Latin verb regere (which could mean either “to keep straight” or “to rule”) has had a significant influence on our language. Its fourth principal part, rectus, has played a role in the creation of numerous words with a rect in them: consider rector (the “ruler” of a parish), direction (which originally meant “set straight”), correct (“with straightening”), and rectum (which was thought of as the “straight intestine”). Additionally, the second principal part (that being regere) evolved into various words containing reg in them: such as regime (something that rules a country), region (a piece of land historically ruled by someone), and regular (which originally meant “straight piece of wood”). Furthermore, there are several other descendants that underwent transformations, like dress, ergo, surge, and more.
