American English
/ˈgə.vɚnz/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Related entry: govern
To officially lead and make decisions for a country, state, or organization.
Practice out loudTo officially lead and make decisions for a country, state, or organization.
The party has governed the country since 2018.
An elected board governs the association.
govern a country · govern a state · govern an organization · govern effectively
govern + a country/state/organization
be governed by + a government/council
To control how something happens or how a system works.
Federal law governs the use of this data.
A strict budget governed our decision.
govern behavior · govern decisions · govern the process · governing principle
rules/laws/principles govern + a process/decision
govern how + something works
to be controlled by a law, rule, or principle
The agreement is governed by state law.
Drop the final e before -ing: governing, not governning.