Government: meaning, definitions and examples

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government

 

[ หˆษกสŒvษ™rn.mษ™nt ]

Context #1 | Noun

political system

The governing body of a nation, state, or community; the system by which a nation, state, or community is governed.

Synonyms

administration, authority, regime.

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Word Description / Examples
government

This word is used to refer to the system or group of people governing a community or nation. It is neutral and commonly used in formal, everyday, and academic settings.

  • The government announced new policies to reduce pollution.
  • She works for the local government.
administration

Typically refers to the executive branch of a government or the officials in charge during a specific period. It is often used when talking about the practical management and operation of government policies.

  • The new administration has introduced a healthcare reform.
  • He criticized the administration's handling of the crisis.
regime

This term often has a negative connotation and is used to describe a government, especially an authoritarian one, that is considered oppressive, undemocratic, or illegitimate.

  • The regime was known for its human rights abuses.
  • After years of dictatorship, the regime was finally overthrown.
authority

This word can refer to the power or right to give orders and make decisions, often used in a more general sense than 'government'. It can also refer to a specific organization or body that has particular powers.

  • The local authority has imposed a new rule on waste management.
  • She has the authority to approve the budget.

Examples of usage

  • The government is responsible for making and enforcing laws.
  • Citizens elect representatives to serve in the government.
Context #2 | Noun

organization

The group of people with the authority to govern a country or state; the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit.

Synonyms

leadership, officials, ruling body.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
government

Used to describe the system by which a community, state, or nation is governed. Often refers to the overall structure, institutions, and operations.

  • The government passed new healthcare legislation.
  • She works in a government office.
officials

Describes individuals who hold positions of authority in an organization or government, usually appointed or elected.

  • Government officials attended the summit.
  • Local officials have announced new traffic regulations.
leadership

Refers to the individuals who guide or direct a group, organization, or country. It emphasizes their role in making decisions and inspiring others.

  • Strong leadership is essential during a crisis.
  • The leadership team presented their strategy for the coming year.
ruling body

Used to describe the group or assembly of individuals who hold the power to make decisions and govern. Often used in a formal or technical sense.

  • The ruling body of the organization decided on the new protocol.
  • The ruling body of the country met to discuss economic reforms.

Examples of usage

  • The government announced new policies to improve healthcare.
  • She works for the local government.

Translations

Translations of the word "government" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น governo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฐเค•เคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Regierung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pemerintah

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัƒั€ัะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ rzฤ…d

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ”ฟๅบœ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท gouvernement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ gobierno

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hรผkรผmet

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ •๋ถ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญูƒูˆู…ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vlรกda

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vlรกda

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ”ฟๅบœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vlada

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rรญkisstjรณrn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฏะบั–ะผะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ—แƒแƒ•แƒ แƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hรถkumษ™t

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ gobierno

Etymology

The word 'government' originated from the Old French word 'governer' which meant 'to rule or control'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the system or body that has the authority to make and enforce laws in a country or state. The concept of government has been central to human society since ancient times, with various forms of government emerging in different civilizations.

See also: governability, governable, governance, governing, governmental, governor, governors, ungovernable, ungoverned.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #196, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.