govern
GUHV-uhn
Govern (verb) means to run the political affairs of a country, state, or region. Example: “The coalition has governed the country for eight years.”
verb
1
To run the political affairs of a country, state, or region.
"The coalition has governed the country for eight years."
"Voters will choose which party governs the region for the next term."
"It is hard to govern a country when the parliament cannot agree."
2
To control or strongly influence how something behaves or happens.
"Supply and demand govern prices in a free market."
"Strict rules govern how the chemicals must be stored in the lab."
"The weather tends to govern what we plan for the weekend."
3
To keep one's own behavior or emotions under control.
"He struggled to govern his temper during the argument."
"She learned to govern her nerves before stepping onto the stage."
"You must govern your spending if you want to save for the trip."
How to use govern
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo rule a country, or more generally to control or steer how something works.
Common pairings
govern a country
govern by decree
the rules that govern something
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Word forms
- Plural
- governs
- Third person singular
- governs
- Past tense
- governed
Fill the gap
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The coalition has _____ the country for eight years.
Etymology
From Old French governer, ultimately from Latin gubernare, "to steer a ship" — from the same Greek root that gives us "cybernetics".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for govern
See all rhymes for govern →Frequently asked questions
What does “govern” mean?
The word “govern” means to run the political affairs of a country, state, or region. In plain terms, to rule a country, or more generally to control or steer how something works.
How do you pronounce “govern”?
“Govern” is pronounced GUHV-uhn (/ˈɡʌv.ɚn/ in IPA).
How do you use “govern” in a sentence?
Here is “govern” used in a sentence: “The coalition has governed the country for eight years.”
What part of speech is “govern”?
“Govern” is a verb.
Where does the word “govern” come from?
The word “govern” comes from Latin. From Old French governer, ultimately from Latin gubernare, "to steer a ship" — from the same Greek root that gives us "cybernetics".
Is “govern” a common word?
“Govern” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “govern” have?
“Govern” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to run the political affairs of a country, state, or region.
What is the difference between "govern" and "rule"?
"Govern" generally implies a structured, often lawful administration of a country, state, or region, while "rule" can carry a broader or sometimes more absolute connotation of control, including historical monarchies or dictatorships. "Govern" is the more neutral, modern term for running political affairs.
What is the difference between "govern" and "manage"?
"Govern" often applies to political or systemic control, such as governing a country or governing how a process behaves, while "manage" is used more broadly for organizing or overseeing tasks, people, or resources, including in non-political contexts like business. "Govern" can also apply figuratively to controlling one's own behavior or emotions, a sense "manage" shares less directly.
How is "govern" used with the preposition "by"?
"Govern" frequently appears in the passive construction "governed by," meaning controlled or strongly influenced by a particular rule, law, or factor, as in "decisions governed by market forces." This usage extends the political sense of "govern" into describing what determines or shapes an outcome.
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