government
gb/ɡˈʌvɚnmənt/ us/ɡˈʌvɚnmənt/
A2
English
~ 200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
The ruling body of a country
The people and system that control and make rules for a country or area.
Usage pattern:
the government of [a country]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'government' (the ruling body) with 'governance' (the process or manner of governing).
Synonyms
administration (Often used for the current leadership during a particular period, especially in US English.)
|
regime (Implies a specific system of government, sometimes with a negative tone.)
Antonyms
opposition (Refers to political parties or groups opposing the current government.)
Collocations
government policy
|government official
|government agency
|government funding
|government decision
Themes
politics
|law
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The government announced new environmental regulations.
- Many people are unhappy with how the government is handling the crisis.
- The government has promised to increase spending on education.
- After the election, a new government was formed.
Learner examples
- The government makes laws for the country.
- People vote to choose the government.
- The government builds schools and roads.
- The government collects taxes from the people.
Noun
B1
action
2
The process of governing
The job or activity of controlling and making decisions for a country, state, or group.
Usage pattern:
[something] is under government
Synonyms
governance (More formal and often used in academic or policy contexts to describe the manner of governing.)
Antonyms
anarchy (A state with no governing authority or order.)
Collocations
form of government
|style of government
|system of government
Themes
politics
|law
Examples
- Democracy is a form of government that allows citizens to vote.
- Good government requires transparency and accountability.
- The country has suffered from poor government for decades.
Learner examples
- Democracy is one type of government.
- Good government helps people live better.
- Bad government can cause problems for everyone.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
3
Specific level of governing body
A part of the main government that controls a certain place or activity.
Usage pattern:
local/state/federal government
Synonyms
authority (A general term for an organization with power in a specific area.)
Collocations
local government
|state government
|federal government
Themes
politics
|administration
|law
Examples
- Local governments are responsible for collecting waste and maintaining roads.
- State governments have different laws on education.
- The federal government handles national defense.
Learner examples
- My local government built a new park.
- The state government makes rules for schools.
- The federal government controls the army.
Grammar
Dictionary form
government
IPA
GB/ɡˈʌvɚnmənt/
US/ɡˈʌvɚnmənt/
Syllables & stress
gov - ern - ment (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (gov)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: government
- Plural: government, governments
Word family
Forms
governments
noun
Related words
governance
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
non-governmental
adjective B2
anti-government
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
governmental
adjective C1
Expressions
form of government
1/fˈɔɹm əv ɡˈʌvɚnmənt/
fixed phrase
Type of political system in place
The way a country chooses to be ruled.
Examples
- Democracy is the most common form of government in the modern world.
- Each form of government has its strengths and weaknesses.
government funding
1/ɡˈʌvɚnmənt fˈʌndɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Money provided by authorities for projects or services
Money that comes from the government to help pay for something.
Examples
- The project received government funding to expand healthcare services.
- Government funding for education has increased this year.
government official
1/ɡˈʌvɚnmənt əfˈɪʃəl/
fixed phrase
Person holding official position in government
A person who has an important job in the government.
Examples
- A senior government official spoke to reporters about the new law.
- Government officials met to discuss the budget.
government agency
1/ɡˈʌvɚnmənt ˈeɪd͡ʒənsi/
fixed phrase
Public organization under government control
An office or group that does work for the government.
Examples
- The Environmental Protection Agency is a well-known government agency in the US.
- The government agency monitors air quality across the country.
- Several government agencies are involved in disaster response.
- Funding will be provided by a government agency focused on education.