govern
verb (used with object)
to rule over by right of authority.
have governed
-
present perfectof govern.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And in the process, the underlying principles that have governed the AI trade thus far are eroding as well.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 7, 2026
Yet Iran for now has stuck by the three principles that have governed its approach to talks with the West for two decades.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 29, 2026
He is the last of a foursome of leaders in both parties who have governed the Capitol for decades and well into their 70s and 80s.
From Washington Times ● Apr. 13, 2023
Since one-party rule in the 1950s, the Colorados have governed without interruption, except for Fernando Lugo's truncated 2008-2012 presidency that ended in impeachment.
From Reuters ● Mar. 29, 2023
And the stewards have governed the city since that day, though it was many generations of Men ago.
From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien
