Governed Govern Governing Word Country Verb ˈɡʌvn ˈɡʌvərn

• the country is governed by elected representatives of the people.
• he accused the opposition party of being unfit to govern.
• we need changes in the law governing school attendance.
• prices are governed by market demand.

govern

Verb Forms

1. to legally control a country or its people and be responsible for introducing new laws, organizing public services, etc.
• The country is governed by elected representatives of the people.
• He accused the opposition party of being unfit to govern.

Extra Examples

• The colony was governed directly from Paris.
• He could not implement his radical policies without a long-term mandate to govern.
• The PCP had governed the province for 23 years.
• There were four parties governing in coalition.
2. to control or influence somebody/something or how something happens, functions, etc.
• We need changes in the law governing school attendance.
• Prices are governed by market demand.
• All his decisions have been entirely governed by self-interest.

Extra Examples

• It is these springs that govern how firm or soft the mattress is.
• Special regulations govern the operation of such businesses.
• The financial rules governing the adoption of the euro needed to be changed.
3. if a word governs another word or phrase, it affects how that word or phrase is formed or used

Word Origin

• Middle English: from Old French governer, from Latin gubernare ‘to steer, rule’, from Greek kubernan ‘to steer’.