noun
Common
governance
GUH-vuh-nuhns
Governance (noun) means the system, process, or authority by which an organization or country is directed and controlled. Example: “Good governance depends on clear rules and honest leaders.”
noun
1
The system, process, or authority by which an organization or country is directed and controlled.
"Good governance depends on clear rules and honest leaders."
"The school board is responsible for the governance of all local schools."
"The report criticized the charity's weak financial governance."
How to use governance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow an organization, country, or system is run and held accountable.
Common pairings
corporate governance
good governance
a governance structure
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Word forms
- Plural
- governances
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Good _____ depends on clear rules and honest leaders.
Etymology
From Old French governance, built from the verb "govern" plus the noun ending "-ance".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for governance
See all rhymes for governance →Frequently asked questions
What does “governance” mean?
The word “governance” means the system, process, or authority by which an organization or country is directed and controlled. In plain terms, how an organization, country, or system is run and held accountable.
How do you pronounce “governance”?
“Governance” is pronounced GUH-vuh-nuhns (/ˈɡʌvəɹnəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “governance” in a sentence?
Here is “governance” used in a sentence: “The report criticized the charity's weak financial governance.”
What part of speech is “governance”?
“Governance” is a noun.
Where does the word “governance” come from?
The word “governance” comes from Old French. From Old French governance, built from the verb "govern" plus the noun ending "-ance".
Is “governance” a common word?
“Governance” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between governance and government?
Government refers to the body of people or institutions that hold authority, while governance refers to the system and processes by which an organization or country is directed and controlled. In short, a government is a body; governance is the way authority is exercised. Governance also applies to companies and charities, not just states.
What is the difference between governance and management?
Governance sets the overall direction, rules, and accountability of an organization, typically at board level. Management carries out day-to-day operations within that framework. Governance decides what should happen and who is accountable; management decides how it gets done.
What is corporate governance?
Corporate governance is the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. It covers how boards of directors oversee executives, how shareholders' interests are protected, and how the company stays accountable. The term is standard in business, law, and investing.
Is governance used in the plural?
Governance is normally an uncountable noun, so it does not take a plural or the article 'a' — you speak of 'good governance', not 'a governance' or 'governances'. When a countable idea is needed, English uses phrases such as 'governance systems' or 'governance structures'.
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