Governor

Definition

Governor primarily refers to an individual vested with the power to administer executive functions in a state or territory. It can also indicate a device that controls the speed of a machine.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡʌvərnər/
• Respelling: GUV-er-ner (with "GUV" as in "gut," "er" as in "her," and "ner" as in "nerd")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡʌvənə/
• Respelling: GUV-uh-nuh (with "GUV" as in "gut," "uh" as in "sofa," and "nuh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "governor" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "GUV." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "GUV-er-ner" in American English and "GUV-uh-nuh" in British English.

Etymology

Originating from the Old French "governeor", which is based on the Latin "gubernator", meaning "steerer" or "director", derived from "gubernare" which means "to steer" or "to direct".

Derivatives

• Governorship (noun)
• Gubernatorial (adjective)
• Govern (verb)
• Government (noun)
• Governorate (noun)

Synonyms

• Administrator
• Chief executive
• Regulator (in the context of machinery)

Antonyms

• Subject
• Citizen
• Follower

Usage

The term "governor" is commonly used in political contexts to refer to the chief executive officer of a state, province, or territory. In other contexts, it can refer to the head of an organization, institution, or governing body. Additionally, "governor" can denote a mechanical device that regulates the speed or operation of a machine.

Related Terms

• Administration
• Governance
• Executive
• State office
• Election

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Governor (Political Leader):
  • Chief Executive of a State or Province: The elected or appointed official responsible for overseeing the administration of a state or province, implementing laws, and representing the region in various capacities.
    • Example: The governor signed the new bill into law, setting the state's budget for the year.
  • Head of an Organization or Institution: An individual who governs or oversees the operations of an institution, such as a school, hospital, or financial institution.
    • Example: The board of governors decided to expand the university's campus.

• Governor (Mechanical Device):
  • Regulatory Device: A mechanism used to regulate the speed of a machine or engine, ensuring it operates within safe and efficient parameters.
    • Example: The steam engine's governor helped maintain a steady speed.