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governare

to govern

verb goh-ver-NAH-reh Less Common

Origin: From Latin gubernare (to steer a ship), via Greek kubernan.

Also means

to steer

Usage Note

Governare uses avere in compound tenses. It means to rule or administer (governare un paese) and, in a nautical or mechanical sense, to steer (governare il timone). The related noun is il governo (government). In Italian political speech it is common to say chi governa (those who govern) rather than naming a party.

Examples

"È difficile governare un paese in crisi."

Natural Translation

It is difficult to govern a country in crisis.

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