How to pronounce govern
Say it like GUHV-ern. Govern has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHV).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce govern. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈɡʌvɚn/GUHV-ern
UK British/ˈɡʌvən/GUHV-un
- GUHV
- ern
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Govern pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GUHVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ernKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of govern
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: GUHV-un.
What does govern mean?
verb
- bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage; impose regulations“We cannot regulate the way people dress”“This town likes to regulate”
- direct or strongly influence the behavior of“His belief in God governs his conduct”
- exercise authority over; as of nations“Who is governing the country now?”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying govern
How do you pronounce govern?
Say GUHV-ern. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡʌvɚn/. In British English it is /ˈɡʌvən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in govern?
Govern has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHV). Broken into parts: GUHV · ern.
Is govern pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɡʌvən/ (GUHV-un).