Hinterland: meaning, definitions and examples

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hinterland

 

[ ˈhɪntərlænd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

wilderness

An area of land that lies beyond what is visible or known, often used to describe a remote and undeveloped region.

Synonyms

backcountry, outback, wilderness.

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Word Description / Examples
hinterland

Mainly used to describe the inland or remote area of a country, far from the coast or urban centers.

  • The city is buzzing with life, but the hinterland remains calm and peaceful.
  • Explorers decided to travel into the hinterland to study native wildlife.
backcountry

Refers to a sparsely inhabited rural area, often associated with outdoor activities like hiking or camping.

  • We spent a week hiking in the backcountry, away from the busy city life.
  • He prefers the quiet solitude of the backcountry over the bustling town.
wilderness

Describes a natural environment that is untouched by human development, often associated with wild, uninhabited land.

  • Survivors had to adapt quickly to the harsh conditions of the wilderness.
  • The national park is known for its vast wilderness areas.
outback

Specific to Australia, the term describes remote and arid areas far from urban centers. It often evokes imagery of rugged, uninhabited lands.

  • They set off on a journey through the Australian outback.
  • Life in the outback can be tough, but it has its unique charm.

Examples of usage

  • The explorers ventured into the hinterland, far from any signs of civilization.
  • The small village was located deep in the hinterland, surrounded by forests and mountains.
Context #2 | Noun

geography

The land lying behind a coast or the shoreline of a river.

Synonyms

backcountry, inland, interior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hinterland

Refers to areas lying beyond what is visible or known, often used to describe rural or undeveloped regions far from the coast or cities.

  • The explorers ventured deep into the hinterland, searching for new resources.
  • The small village was located in the hinterland, miles away from the bustling city.
inland

Refers to areas situated away from the coast or a body of water, generally used to describe locations within a country that are not coastal.

  • The storm lost its intensity as it moved inland.
  • They traveled inland to visit the ancient ruins.
backcountry

Describes remote, undeveloped rural areas, often used in the context of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing.

  • They enjoyed the tranquility of the backcountry, far from the noise of urban life.
  • Backcountry hiking can be an exhilarating experience for nature lovers.
interior

Often used to denote the inner or central parts of a country or region, can also imply remoteness or inaccessibility.

  • The company's operations extend into the interior regions of the country.
  • Exploring the interior of the island revealed hidden waterfalls and lush forests.

Examples of usage

  • The port city had easy access to the hinterland for trade and transportation.
  • The river's hinterland was rich in natural resources.

Translations

Translations of the word "hinterland" in other languages:

🇵🇹 interior

🇮🇳 आंतरिक क्षेत्र

🇩🇪 Hinterland

🇮🇩 pedalaman

🇺🇦 глибинка

🇵🇱 zaplecze

🇯🇵 内陸部 (ないりくぶ)

🇫🇷 arrière-pays

🇪🇸 interior

🇹🇷 iç bölge

🇰🇷 내륙지역

🇸🇦 المناطق النائية

🇨🇿 vnitrozemí

🇸🇰 vnútrozemie

🇨🇳 内地 (nèidì)

🇸🇮 zaledje

🇮🇸 innlönd

🇰🇿 ішкі аймақ

🇬🇪 შიდა ტერიტორია

🇦🇿 iç bölgə

🇲🇽 interior

Etymology

The word 'hinterland' originated in German, where 'hinter' means 'behind' and 'land' means 'land'. It was first used in English in the mid-19th century to describe remote or undeveloped areas beyond the coast or river shorelines. Over time, the term has expanded to refer to any isolated or less accessible region, whether geographically or culturally.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,927, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.