WordGarden.iogovernment
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈʌvənmənt/
US
- /ˈɡəvərmənt/
Meanings
Noun
the people and institutions that run a country, state, or community
the system, process, or manner of governing
Beyond the definition
Government is not just about presidents and politicians; it is the whole system by which a country or community is organized and ruled. Think of it like the rules of a game: someone has to make them, enforce them, and decide what happens when they are broken. It can refer to the people in power (like "the government announced new policies") or to the overall way a country is ruled ("a system of government"). Different countries have different types of governments, such as democracies, monarchies, and dictatorships, and each has its own way of making decisions and keeping order.
Government is a complex concept encompassing both the people and the systems used to rule or control a country, state, or community. It's more than just who's in charge; it's how they are in charge. Imagine building a house: government is like the architect, the construction crew, and the inspectors all rolled into one—designing the structure (laws), building it (implementing policies), and ensuring everything stays safe and sound (enforcing rules).
The word "government" can be used in several ways. You might hear about "the current administration," referring to the people currently holding power. Or you might discuss "local government," meaning the authorities that manage a city or town. It also describes the process of governing itself—for instance, when someone studies "political science," they're studying how governments work.
Historically, governments have taken many forms: from ancient empires ruled by kings and queens to modern democracies where citizens vote for their leaders. Some governments are centralized (power concentrated in one place), while others are federal (power shared between a central authority and regional units). The effectiveness of any government depends on its ability to provide essential services like security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
So, whether you're reading about international relations, following the news, or simply discussing community issues, understanding "government" is crucial for understanding how societies function and evolve. It's the framework that shapes our lives, often in ways we don't even realize.
Examples
- 1
School rules
The government announced new safety rules for schools.
- 2
Housing policy
Many voters want the government to do more about high rents.
- 3
Public service
She works for the government in Washington.
- 4
Local services
Local government pays for services like road repairs and rubbish collection.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Contracts
The company earns most of its money from government contracts.
- 6
Public trust
Trust in government fell sharply after the scandal.
- 7
Political work
He spent twenty years in government before becoming a business consultant.
- Phrasein government
working as part of the state, especially in politics
- 8
Climate pledges
Several governments have promised to cut carbon emissions.
- 9
Election result
After weeks of talks, the parties finally formed a government.
- Phraseform a government
create the group that will rule after an election
- 10
Political philosophy
The candidate argued that the country needs smaller government and lower taxes.
- Phrasesmaller government
less state spending and control
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- governmentnoun
Forms
- governmentspluralnoun