Geographic: meaning, definitions and examples

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geographic

 

[ ˌdʒiː.əˈɡræf.ɪk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

physical features

Relating to the natural features of the earth's surface, such as mountains, rivers, and forests.

Synonyms

geographical, physical, topographic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
geographic

Used to describe something related to geography or the characteristics of a specific place. Common in academic and technical discussions.

  • The geographic distribution of plants varies greatly across the continent.
  • Geographic factors can influence economic development.
geographical

Often used interchangeably with 'geographic', but slightly more formal. Suitable for academic, technical, and formal discussions about locations and features.

  • The geographical features of the region include mountains, rivers, and lakes.
  • Geographical boundaries can affect political relations.
topographic

Highly technical term used to describe the detailed mapping and description of the surface features of a place, including elevation and landform shapes.

  • Topographic maps are essential for hikers and engineers.
  • The topographic survey revealed significant changes in the landscape.
physical

Refers to the natural, tangible features of the Earth, such as mountains, rivers, and valleys. It's broad and can fit into both scientific and casual usage.

  • The physical landscape of the region is stunning.
  • Physical characteristics like climate and terrain affect human settlement.

Examples of usage

  • Geographic features like mountains and rivers can greatly impact the climate of an area.
  • The study of geographic distribution of plants and animals is called biogeography.
Context #2 | Noun

study

The study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these.

Synonyms

cartography, geographical study, topography.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
geographic

This term is often used to describe anything related to the physical aspects of a region or place. It can be used in general conversations or in scientific studies.

  • The geographic features of the area include mountains and rivers.
  • We studied the geographic distribution of different species.
geographical study

This phrase is suitable when discussing scientific research focused on geography. It is often used in academic and research contexts.

  • Her geographical study focuses on the impact of climate change on coastal regions.
  • The geographical study revealed new insights into migration patterns.
cartography

This word is specifically used to refer to the practice and process of making maps. It's suitable in professional or academic settings related to mapping and geography.

  • He specialized in cartography during his studies in geography.
  • The ancient art of cartography has evolved with modern technology.
topography

This term refers to the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area. It is often used in contexts discussing detailed descriptions of terrain.

  • The topography of the mountainous region makes it difficult to build roads.
  • Before construction, a detailed study of the topography was conducted.

Examples of usage

  • She is majoring in geography and hopes to pursue a career in geographic information systems.
  • The Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful tool used in geographic analysis.

Translations

Translations of the word "geographic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 geográfico

🇮🇳 भौगोलिक

🇩🇪 geografisch

🇮🇩 geografis

🇺🇦 географічний

🇵🇱 geograficzny

🇯🇵 地理的 (ちりてき)

🇫🇷 géographique

🇪🇸 geográfico

🇹🇷 coğrafi

🇰🇷 지리적인

🇸🇦 جغرافي

🇨🇿 geografický

🇸🇰 geografický

🇨🇳 地理的 (dìlǐ de)

🇸🇮 geografski

🇮🇸 landfræðilegur

🇰🇿 географиялық

🇬🇪 გეოგრაფიული

🇦🇿 coğrafi

🇲🇽 geográfico

Etymology

The word 'geographic' originated from the Greek words 'geo-' meaning 'earth' and '-graphikos' meaning 'descriptive'. It has been used in English since the early 19th century to describe anything related to the physical features of the Earth. The field of geography has evolved over time to encompass not only the study of natural landscapes but also human activities and their impact on the environment.

See also: geographically, geospatial.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,375 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.