B2noun formal 2K

Governor

UK /["/ˈɡʌvənə(r)/"]/ US /["/ˈɡʌvərnər/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

a person who is the official head of a country or region that is governed by another country

Listen to definition

In simple words: A person in charge of a state or region.

Examples

• The governor of the state announced new policies for education.
• During the meeting, the governor emphasized the importance of healthcare reform.
• Many citizens were excited to meet their new governor at the town hall event.
• The governor has the power to veto legislation passed by the assembly.
• She was appointed as the governor of the territory after a competitive election.

Usage notes

Use 'governor' when referring to a political leader at the state level in the U.S. It's not commonly used for other types of leaders, and in informal settings, you might use 'head' or 'leader' instead.

Grammar pattern

governor + of + place

Memory hint

Think of 'govern' and the 'or' as a person; the one who governs.

Collocations

• deputy
• lieutenant
• acting
• appoint
• appoint somebody (as)
• elect
• a board of governors
• deputy
• lieutenant
• acting
• appoint
• appoint somebody (as)
• elect
• a board of governors
• deputy
• lieutenant
• acting
• appoint
• appoint somebody (as)
• elect
• a board of governors
• deputy
• lieutenant
• acting
• appoint
• appoint somebody (as)
• elect
• a board of governors

Synonyms

• leader
• administrator
• ruler
• chief
• director

Antonyms

• citizen
• subject

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'governer' — remember there is no 'e'.
• Using 'governor' when referring to a mayor — mayors lead cities, governors lead states.