Etymology Map
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Govern

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to control and direct a state or people

Where does the word "govern" come from? It comes from Latin gubernare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
gubernare
Latin · ancient
"to steer a ship"
from Greek 'kybernan', to steer, also the root of 'cybernetics'
2
Stage 2 of 3
governer
Old French · medieval
"to rule"
transferred from steering a ship to steering a state
3
Stage 3 of 3
govern
English · 1200s
"to rule"
'governor' followed
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Read the full story

Govern’s story begins in Latin: gubernare meant “to steer a ship.” From Greek 'kybernan', to steer, also the root of 'cybernetics'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as governer. Transferred from steering a ship to steering a state. It reached English by 1200s as govern. 'governor' followed. Today, govern means to control and direct a state or people.