What does gubernatorial mean?
Gubernatorial is a formal adjective relating to a governor, particularly to the office, powers, and responsibilities of that position. It is especially common in American political language, where it appears in expressions such as gubernatorial election, gubernatorial candidate, and gubernatorial race. The word refers to the governor as an officeholder rather than simply to the person in a personal capacity: gubernatorial authority means the legal or political power associated with the office. It can also describe matters connected with state government more broadly, although such uses are less precise. In British English, alternatives such as "the governor's" may sound more natural. Gubernatorial is especially useful in reporting and political commentary because it distinguishes the institutional responsibilities of a governor from an individual's personal characteristics or actions.
adjectiveOf or relating to a governor or to the office and authority of governing.
- Relating to a governor or the office and authority of governing.
"The opposing candidates focused on the state's most pressing issues during the gubernatorial debate."
"The party chose its gubernatorial candidate after a series of primary contests."
"The court ruled that the governor had exceeded his gubernatorial authority."
From Latin gubernator, meaning a helmsman or governor, gubernatorial evokes the image of guiding a state from the helm.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gubernatorial come from?
Gubernatorial derives from Latin gubernatorius, meaning "of or relating to a governor." Its stem comes from gubernator, meaning "helmsman" or "governor," which is related to gubernare, "to steer, direct, or govern." Its English relatives include governor, governance, gubernacy, and gubernator.
How gubernatorial is actually used
This is a formal word used especially in US political contexts. In British usage, constructions such as "the governor's powers" are often more common. It can sound institutional or political rather than personal, depending on context.
Easily confused with gubernatorial
A governor is the person who governs; gubernatorial is the adjective relating to that person, office, or authority.