WordValegovern
to control and direct
In more detail
1. (verb) to control and manage a country, state, or organization
2. (verb) to influence or control how something happens or is done
3. (verb) to be the law or rule that controls something
Examples
- 1. The president governs the country with the help of the cabinet.
- 2. Supply and demand govern prices in the market.
- 3. Grammar rules govern how we form sentences correctly.
How to use govern
Govern is a formal verb meaning to exercise control or authority, whether politically, administratively, or through rules and principles. It often implies responsibility for maintaining order and making decisions. It is more formal than manage and suggests a higher level of authority, while control can be more neutral and less linked to legitimate authority.
Common phrases
- govern a country
- govern well
- govern by law
- hard to govern
- govern with an iron fist
Synonyms
rule · manage · administer · control · direct
Opposites
obey · serve
Word family
government · governor · governing · governance
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse govern with govern by, using 'govern by law' when they mean 'govern according to law' or 'be governed by law'; note that people are governed by laws but governments govern with or through laws.
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