How to pronounce government
Say it like GUHV-er-munt. Government has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce government. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GUHV
- er
- munt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Government 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.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- muntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of government
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: GUHV-uh-munt.
What does government mean?
- the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit“the government reduced taxes”“the matter was referred to higher authorities”
- the act of governing; exercising authority“regulations for the governing of state prisons”“he had considerable experience of government”
- (government) the system or form by which a community or other political unit is governed“tyrannical government”
Where does government come from?
From Middle English governement, from Old French governement (modern French gouvernement), from governer (see govern) + -ment.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying government
How do you pronounce government?
Say GUHV-er-munt. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡʌvɚmənt/. In British English it is /ˈɡʌvəmənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in government?
Government has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GUHV). Broken into parts: GUHV · er · munt.
Is government 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 /ˈɡʌvəmənt/ (GUHV-uh-munt).