Word: Lieutenant Governor
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A lieutenant governor is an elected official who serves as the deputy to the governor of a state in the United States. This means that if the governor cannot do their job for some reason—like being sick or traveling—the lieutenant governor can take over their responsibilities.
Usage Instructions:
Use "lieutenant governor" when talking about the political structure of a U.S. state. It's specific to state government.
You can refer to a specific lieutenant governor by name or use the title followed by the state, for example, "the Lieutenant Governor of California."
Example:
Advanced Usage:
In some states, the lieutenant governor can have specific duties or roles, such as presiding over the state senate or leading certain committees.
The position can also serve as a stepping stone to higher political office, such as becoming governor.
Word Variants:
Lieutenant Governorship (noun): The office or position held by a lieutenant governor.
Lieutenant Governor-elect (noun): A person who has been elected to be lieutenant governor but has not yet taken office.
Different Meaning:
The term "lieutenant" can also refer to a rank in the military, where it indicates a position of authority, usually below a captain. However, in the context of "lieutenant governor," it specifically relates to government.
Synonyms:
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly linked to "lieutenant governor," you may encounter phrases like: - "Stepping up" – this is often used to describe when someone takes on more responsibility, similar to how a lieutenant governor steps in for the governor.
Summary:
In summary, a lieutenant governor is an important political figure in U.S. states, acting as a backup to the governor and sometimes carrying out specific duties.