A2nounformal1K

Government

UK /["/ˈɡʌvənmənt/"]/US /["/ˈɡʌvərnmənt/"]/

Definition

the group of people who are responsible for controlling a country or a state

In simple words: A group of people who make decisions for a country or area.

Examples

  • The government decided to increase funding for education.
  • Many citizens are unhappy with their government's policies.
  • The local government is planning a new park in the city.
  • The government has a responsibility to provide for its people.
  • In a democracy, the government is elected by the people.

Usage notes

Used in formal discussions about politics, law, and society. Avoid in casual conversations. Be careful not to confuse with 'governance', which refers to the act of governing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'governing' your garden, where 'ment' shows it's an action or organization.

Collocations

  • central
  • federal
  • local
  • elect
  • establish
  • form
  • come to power
  • take office
  • fall
  • agency
  • body
  • department
  • in government
  • under a/​the government
  • a change in government
  • a change of government
  • the government of the day
  • central
  • federal
  • local
  • elect
  • establish
  • form
  • come to power
  • take office
  • fall
  • agency
  • body
  • department
  • in government
  • under a/​the government
  • a change in government
  • a change of government
  • the government of the day
  • democratic
  • representative
  • firm

Synonyms

  • administration
  • authority
  • regime
  • leadership
  • management

Antonyms

  • anarchy
  • chaos

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'govern' which is a verb.
  • Using 'government' as a verb.
  • Mispronouncing as 'goverment' without the second 'n'.