- pronunciation:
- guh
v
rn
- features:
- Word History, Word Builder, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
governs, governing, governed |
| definition: |
A person who governs is the person who is the leader in a country, city, or other place. When a person or group governs, they rule or lead.
The person who governs in a city is called the mayor.- synonyms:
- dominate, lead, rule
- similar words:
- command, control, direct, head, manage, supervise
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| related words: |
lead |
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| derivations: |
governable (adj.), governability (n.) |
Govern comes from an ancient Greek word that meant "to steer or pilot (a ship)." From the Greek came the Latin word
gubernare, meaning "to direct, rule, or guide."