government Definition
- 1the group of people who officially control a country
- 2the 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
Antonyms for government
- anarchy
- chaos
Idioms Using 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.
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
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.
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.
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'
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.
