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noun A2 Elementary Very common

government

GUV-uhn-muhnt
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Government (noun) means the group of people with the authority to run a country, state or other area, who make and enforce its laws and policies. Example: “The government announced an emergency cut in fuel duty.”

noun
1
The group of people with the authority to run a country, state or other area, who make and enforce its laws and policies.
"The government announced an emergency cut in fuel duty."
"Three ministers resigned before the government fell."
"The government has promised to build more homes in towns across the country."
2
The system or method by which a place is governed.
"The colony was granted self-government in 1957."
"She studies comparative government at university."
"Many people believe that democracy is the fairest form of government."
3
The act of controlling and directing a country or organisation.
"Sound government requires more than good intentions."
"Good government of a small village mostly means fixing roads and listening to neighbours."
"The school's government was shared between the head teacher and a council of parents."

How to use government

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe people who run a country and make its laws.

When to use it

In British English the government normally takes a plural verb when the members are meant ('the government are divided'); American English keeps it singular.

Memory tip

Mind the spelling: there is an n in the middle, govern-ment, even though it is rarely pronounced.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
governance → state → administration → parliament →
Common pairings
central government local government form a government government policy government spending
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ announced an emergency cut in fuel duty.

Etymology

Via Old French governement from Latin gubernare, 'to steer a ship, to direct', itself borrowed from Greek kybernan.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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administration the state the authorities regime rule governance control direction authorities politics governing

Antonyms

anarchy

Related words

power law control hold management rule direction organization

Rhymes for government

internment discernment
See all rhymes for government →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between government and governance?
Government is the body of people in charge and the institutions they run. Governance is the process of making and enforcing decisions, and it applies well beyond politics, so a company, a charity or a school can have good or bad governance without having a government.
What is the difference between the government and the state?
The state is the permanent structure of a country, including its territory, civil service, courts and armed forces. The government is the temporary set of politicians running it, who change at elections while the state continues.
Why is 'government' sometimes plural in British English?
Because British usage treats collective nouns as plural when the focus is on the individuals in the group. 'The government are split over the bill' emphasises the ministers disagreeing, while 'the government has fallen' treats it as one body.
What is the meaning of government?
"government" (noun) means the group of people with the authority to run a country, state or other area, who make and enforce its laws and policies.

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