government

[ˈɡʌvənmənt]

government Definition

• 1. the group of people who officially control a country
• 2. the system used for controlling a country, city, or group of people

Using government: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "government" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The government has announced new measures to tackle unemployment.

• Example

  The government is responsible for providing public services.

• Example

  The country's government is facing criticism over its handling of the pandemic.

• Example

  The government has promised to increase funding for education.

government Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for government

• administration
• regime
• authority
• leadership
• management

Antonyms for government

• anarchy
• chaos

Idioms Using government

• big government

  a government that is seen as too large, powerful, or intrusive

  Example

  Some people believe that big government is a threat to individual freedom.

• get the government off one's back

  to reduce or eliminate government regulations or interference in one's life or business

  Example

  Many small business owners want the government to get off their backs and let them operate freely.

• throw the baby out with the bathwater

  to discard something valuable along with something undesirable

  Example

  Critics of the government's reform proposals argue that they risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Phrases with government

• local government

  the organization responsible for governing a particular area such as a city or town

  Example

  The local government is responsible for maintaining the roads and public spaces in the city.

• central government

  the national government of a country, as opposed to the governments of individual regions or cities

  Example

  The central government is responsible for setting national policies and laws.

• shadow government

  a group of people who are not in power but who are preparing to take over the government if necessary

  Example

  The opposition party has set up a shadow government to develop alternative policies.

Origins of government

from Old French 'governer', meaning 'to govern'

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Summary: government in Brief

The term 'government' [ˈɡʌvənmənt] refers to the group of people who officially control a country, or the system used for controlling a country, city, or group of people. It can be used to describe the national or local level of governance, and is often associated with providing public services and setting policies. Phrases like 'local government' and 'central government' denote different levels of governance, while idioms like 'big government' and 'get the government off one's back' express opinions about the size and role of government.