French Conversation · Level 56
75 words
French word
gouverner
Pronunciation
IPA/guvɛʁne/
Meaning
- verbgovern
Example
Le président gouverne le pays depuis cinq ans.
The president has been governing the country for five years.
More examples
La coalition a du mal à gouverner ensemble.
The coalition is having trouble governing together.
Core concept
A leader at the controls of a country or institution, setting its direction and operating rules.
Common phrases
gouverner un pays
govern a country
gouverner la nation
govern the nation
Similar words
diriger: To lead an organization or group and set its direction.
gérer: To manage daily work, resources, and practical problems.
Definition in French
Exercer le pouvoir politique sur un pays ou une institution et organiser son fonctionnement par des décisions et des règles.
Word origin
The verb derives from Latin gubernare through Old French, with an older Greek connection to steering, and its steering sense extended metaphorically to political authority.
Usage tips
- Gouverner is broader and more institutional than gérer, which often refers to handling resources or practical operations.
Other meanings
- ruleverb
- controlverb
Opposites
- obéirobeyverb
Related words
- gouvernementgovernmentnoun
- gouverneurgovernornoun
- gouvernementalgovernmentaladjective