gov·ern·ment
Pronounced:
/ˈgʌvɚmənt/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural gov·ern·mentsMeaning:
1 [count] : the group of people who control and make decisions for a country, state, etc. ▪ The government has been slow to react to the crisis. ▪ She works for the federal government. ▪ the national/central government ▪ We need to improve relations with foreign governments. ▪ the British government ▪ a corrupt/powerful/weak government —often used before another noun ▪ They have promised to reduce government spending. ▪ a government agency/official/program ▪ government policies and regulations ◊In British English, government is used with both singular and plural verbs. ▪ The government is/are working on the problem. —see also local government, student government
2 [noncount] a : a particular system used for controlling a country, state, etc. ▪ He is a firm believer in democratic/representative government. b : the process or manner of controlling a country, state, etc. ▪ We learned about different methods/systems of government. ▪ The country has been damaged by many years of weak/corrupt government. —see also big government
2 [noncount] a : a particular system used for controlling a country, state, etc. ▪ He is a firm believer in democratic/representative government. b : the process or manner of controlling a country, state, etc. ▪ We learned about different methods/systems of government. ▪ The country has been damaged by many years of weak/corrupt government. —see also big government
—gov·ern·men·tal /ˌgʌvɚnˈmɛntl̟/ adjective ▪ governmental agencies ▪ The law provides governmental protection for investors.
/ˌgʌvɚnˈmɛntl̟/ adjective ▪ governmental agencies ▪ The law provides governmental protection for investors.—gov·ern·men·tal·ly /ˌgʌvɚnˈmɛntl̟i/ adverb ▪ governmentally funded programs
/ˌgʌvɚnˈmɛntl̟i/ adverb ▪ governmentally funded programs