What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Govern vs Ruler - What's the difference?

govern | ruler |

As a verb govern

is to make and administer the public policy and affairs of; to exercise sovereign authority in.

As a noun ruler is

a (usually rigid), flat, rectangular measuring or drawing device with graduations in units of measurement; a rule; a straightedge with markings; a measure.

govern

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To make and administer the public policy and affairs of; to exercise sovereign authority in.
  • To control the actions or behavior of; to keep under control; to restrain.
  • Govern yourselves like civilized people.
    a student who could not govern his impulses.
  • To exercise a deciding or determining influence on.
  • Chance usually governs the outcome of the game.
  • To control the speed, flow etc. of; to regulate.
  • a valve that governs fuel intake.
  • To exercise political authority; to run a government.
  • To have or exercise a determining influence.
  • To require that a certain preposition, grammatical case, etc. be used with a word; sometimes used synonymously with collocate.
  • ruler

    English

    (ruler)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A (usually rigid), flat, rectangular measuring or drawing device with graduations in units of measurement; a rule; a straightedge with markings; a measure.
  • A person who rules or governs; a person who exercises dominion or controlling power over others.
  • Usage notes

    In American English, the word "ruler" is often used specifically to refer to such a measuring device that is one foot (12 inches) long. Used in contrast with "yardstick" and "meter stick."

    Synonyms

    * (measuring instrument) rule.

    Hyponyms

    * duke * emperor * Highness * king * queen * grand duke * prince * princess * monarch * tyrant * See also