noun
government
GUV-ern-muhnt/ˈɡʌvərnmənt/
The organized exercise of authority over a community.
The local government meets to discuss issues affecting the community.
Etymology
From a stem originally meaning to steer, government named the act of ruling and the system through which rule operates. It also came to name the governing power itself, giving the sense of the group in charge.
In context
the federal government has the right to Levy taxes
More examples
- The government provides funding for public schools.
- Citizens play an active role in democratic government.
- The two governments cooperate on border security.
Forms
government · governments
govern verb — To exercise authority over a community.
governmental adjective — Relating to a government's activities or institutions.
Similar words
- administration
- Often identifies officials serving under a particular leader.
- governance
- Focuses on how authority is exercised, not the governing institutions.