WordGarden.iogovern
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈʌvən/
US
- /ˈɡəvərn/
Meanings
Verb
to officially rule or direct a country, state, or organization
to control, regulate, or strongly determine how something happens
in grammar, to require a particular form or case in another word
Beyond the definition
To govern means to rule or control a group of people, an organization, or even yourself. Think of a king governing a kingdom or a board governing a company. It's about making decisions and helping things run smoothly, even when those decisions are not popular. You can also govern your own impulses, meaning you keep them under control. In a broader sense, rules or laws can govern how something works. The word comes from an old Greek root meaning "to steer," like a ship, so it carries the idea of setting a course and keeping things on track.
To govern means to exercise authority or control over people, places, or things. It's more than just telling others what to do; it involves making laws, enforcing rules, and maintaining order. For example: "The president governs the country," or "A board of directors governs a company."
However, govern isn't limited to large-scale leadership. You can also govern yourself—meaning you control your own behavior, emotions, or habits. "She learned to govern her temper" suggests she developed self-control. Similarly, physical laws govern how things work in the natural world; for instance, gravity governs how objects fall.
The word's origins trace back to the Greek word kubernan, meaning "to steer" or "pilot." This connection explains why we often associate governing with direction and control. Just as a ship's captain steers the vessel, those who govern guide and direct their communities or organizations.
You might also hear about "governance," which refers to the system of rules and processes used to govern—the way power is exercised and decisions are made. So, whether it's a nation, a corporation, or your own life, governing is all about leadership, control, and setting a course for the future.
Examples
- 1
Political leadership
After the election, her party had to govern a divided country.
- 2
Crisis leadership
Good leaders have to govern carefully in times of crisis.
- 3
City government
The city is governed by a mayor and six council members.
- 4
Legal rules
Data sharing is governed by strict privacy laws.
- Patternbe governed by + rule/authority
be controlled according to it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Economics
In the long run, prices are governed by supply and demand.
- 6
Personal decisions
He tried not to let pride govern his decision.
- 7
Corporate governance
The way a company is governed can affect how much investors trust it.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- govern a country
- govern a state
- govern by law
- rules governing
Word family
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Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- governverb
Forms
- governing-ing formverb
- governedpast tenseverb
- governsverb