French word

gouvernement

Pronunciation

IPA/guvɛʁnəmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine noungovernment

Example

Le gouvernement a annoncé une nouvelle loi.

The government announced a new law.

Illustration for gouvernement (government)

More examples

Un nouveau gouvernement a été formé après les élections.

A new government was formed after the elections.

Core concept

A country's steering system, with people and institutions at the controls setting its political course.

Common phrases

  • gouvernement de coalition

    coalition government

  • gouvernement en place

    current government

  • gouvernement provisoire

    provisional government

Similar words

État: The entire state and its network of public institutions.
cabinet: The group of ministers responsible for setting national policy.
administration: The organized system of officials and agencies that implements public policy.
autorités: Public officials or bodies empowered to make decisions and oversee affairs.

Definition in French

Ensemble des personnes et des institutions qui dirigent un pays et prennent des décisions politiques.

Word origin

Gouvernement comes from Old French governement, formed from gouverner with -ment and ultimately from Latin gubernare, meaning 'to steer'.

Usage tips

  • Gouvernement is masculine, so the usual form is le gouvernement; the final t is silent.

Other meanings

  • regimenoun
  • cabinetnoun
  • administrationnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word