Words / B1

GUVN/ˈɡʌvn/

To govern is to rule a country or organisation, or to control how something works: govern a country; rules that govern the exam. Government is already in the dictionary. Rule is everyday; regulate is more about agencies. Do not mix govern with gown. The laws governing data are a useful essay phrase.

Meaning

To rule a country or organisation; also to control how something works.

Examples

• “Clear rules govern what you may take into the exam hall.”
• “The coalition governed for five years, which is the political sense.”

Good to know

govern a country; rules that govern + noun. Noun: government. Close: rule / regulate. Phrase: the laws governing. Mix-up: gown.

Near in meaning

rule

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