government
government
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "government" is /ˈɡʌv.ərn.mənt/ or /ˈɡʌv.mənt/.
gov: /ˈɡʌv/
ern: /ərn/ (often reduced to /m/ or /ən/ in faster speech)
ment: /mənt/
Word Form Variations
Noun: government (singular), governments (plural)
Verb: govern (base form), governs (third person singular present), governed (past tense, past participle), governing (present participle)
Adjective: governmental, governing
Adverb: governmentally (less common)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Government
The system or group of people governing an organized community, typically a state or country.
Synonyms: administration, regime, authority, executive, state
Antonyms: anarchy, chaos, populace (when contrasting with the governed)
The action or manner of governing.
Synonyms: governance, rule, control, administration, direction, management
Antonyms: mismanagement, misrule, anarchy
Verb
Govern
To conduct the policy, actions, and affairs of (a state, organization, or people).
Synonyms: rule, administer, control, manage, direct, regulate
Antonyms: misgovern, relinquish, surrender, yield
To control, influence, or determine.
Synonyms: control, influence, determine, guide, command, regulate
Antonyms: neglect, disregard, free, liberate
Adjective
Governmental
Relating to a government or its administration.
Synonyms: state, public, official, administrative, bureaucratic
Antonyms: non-governmental, private, civilian
Governing
Having authority to control or direct.
Synonyms: ruling, controlling, administrative, directive, supervisory
Antonyms: subordinate, subservient, advisory
Adverb
Governmentally
In a manner relating to or by means of a government.
Synonyms: officially, publicly, administratively
Antonyms: privately, unofficially
Examples of Use
Books
Non-fiction (Political Science/History): Books on civics, political systems, or historical periods widely discuss different forms of "government." Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville analyzes the nature of American government (Penguin Classics, January 2000). Textbooks explain "local government" and "federal government."
Fiction: Novels often feature characters interacting with, rebelling against, or being part of a government. "The underground resistance plotted against the oppressive government."
Economics: Books might discuss "the role of government in a market economy."
Newspapers
News Articles: Newspapers are a primary source for reporting on the actions, policies, and elections of governments at all levels. A headline might read, "New Coalition Government Formed After Elections" (The Guardian, July 2025). Reports often scrutinize "corrupt government officials."
Editorials/Opinion Pieces: Columnists frequently debate the effectiveness of government policies or the accountability of the government.
International News: Articles cover the relations between different governments and their diplomatic efforts.
Online Publications
News Websites: Online news portals like BBC News or CNN provide constant updates on government actions, elections, and international relations. "The government announced new economic stimulus measures."
Official Government Websites: National, state, and local government websites (e.g., USA.gov, GOV.UK) provide public services, information on policies, and contact details for government departments.
Political Blogs/Think Tanks: These platforms offer analysis and commentary on government policies, political systems, and the future of government.
Social Media: Citizens and politicians use social media to discuss government decisions, express dissent, or rally support for government initiatives. Hashtags like #GovernmentAccountability are common.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows (Political Dramas/Thrillers): These genres often center on the inner workings, conspiracies, or crises within a government. Shows like House of Cards depict the machinations of government. A character might declare, "The government is always watching."
Documentaries: Documentaries frequently explore the history of a government, its impact on citizens, or the challenges it faces. "The documentary investigated the rise and fall of totalitarian governments."
Video Games: Many strategy or role-playing games involve players managing or interacting with a government (e.g., Civilization, Democracy 3). Some games have characters who are government agents.
Podcasts: Podcasts on current events, history, or political analysis regularly discuss the actions and responsibilities of government. "Today's episode examines the role of local government."
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly discuss "government policies," complain about the "government," or express hope for a better government. "What do you think of the new government regulations?"
Civic Engagement: Citizens participate in discussions about how their government should operate, vote in elections to choose their government, or attend town halls to voice concerns to their government representatives.
Education: Students learn about different forms of government (democracy, monarchy, etc.) and the functions of their own government.
Protests/Rallies: People gather to demand changes from their government or express their views on government actions. "We demand a responsive government!"
10 Quotes Using Government
"That government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address)
"The best government is that which governs least." (Henry David Thoreau)
"A wise and frugal government is one which restrains men from injuring one another." (Thomas Jefferson)
"When the people fear the government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty." (Thomas Jefferson)
"The art of government is not to make people happy but to make them content to be governed." (Napoleon Bonaparte)
"The government closest to the people serves the people best." (Common Principle)
"No government can be long secure without a formidable opposition." (Benjamin Disraeli)
"A small government is always a good government." (Common Political Slogan)
"The increasing complexity of modern life truly demands a more adaptive government."
"Ultimately, every government exists solely to serve the fundamental needs and rights of its citizens."
Etymology
The word "government" comes from the Old French word "governement," which meant "control," "direction," or "act of governing." This, in turn, derived from the Latin verb "gubernare," meaning "to steer," "to guide," or "to rule." Imagine steering a ship – that's the core idea.
The first known use of "government" in English, with the meaning of "the action or manner of governing," dates back to the late 14th century. It appeared in texts referring to the act of ruling or controlling. Soon after, it also began to refer to the body of people or system that actually does the governing.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Government
Federal government: The national level of government in a federated state. "The federal government oversees national defense."
Local government: The administration of a particular town, county, or district. "Many services are provided by the local government."
Central government: The main government body of a country, as opposed to regional or local. "Decisions on foreign policy rest with the central government."
Seat of government: The city or location where the main government offices are situated. "Washington D.C. is the seat of government for the U.S."
Shadow government: A group that secretly controls a country instead of the publicly elected government. "Conspiracy theories often involve a secret shadow government."
Form a government: To create a new administration after an election. "The parties are negotiating to form a government."
Government spending: Money spent by the government. "Government spending on infrastructure projects increased."
Government oversight: The supervision of the government or its agencies by another body, often legislative. "Government oversight is crucial for accountability."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of government from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
