Provinces: meaning, definitions and examples

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provinces

[ˈprɒvɪnsɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

administrative division

Provinces are the highest-level administrative divisions in many countries, typically forming the primary geographical unit of government. Provinces are usually smaller in size and population than states or regions.

Synonyms

region, state, territory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
region	Refers to a larger area that might span multiple administrative divisions, often defined by certain geographic, cultural, or historical characteristics. The Pacific Northwest is a region known for its rainy weather. The wine-producing region of France is renowned worldwide.
state	Typically used in countries like the United States, Mexico, or India to describe a larger administrative division that has its own government. The term can also refer to a country as a whole in international contexts. California is a state on the west coast of the United States. Germany is a sovereign state in Europe.
territory	Often used to describe a geographic area that is under the jurisdiction of a specific government but might not have the full rights of a state or province. This term is frequently used for areas that are not fully integrated into a country, such as colonies or dependent areas. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Word

Description / Examples

region

Refers to a larger area that might span multiple administrative divisions, often defined by certain geographic, cultural, or historical characteristics.

The Pacific Northwest is a region known for its rainy weather.
The wine-producing region of France is renowned worldwide.

state

Typically used in countries like the United States, Mexico, or India to describe a larger administrative division that has its own government. The term can also refer to a country as a whole in international contexts.

California is a state on the west coast of the United States.
Germany is a sovereign state in Europe.

territory

Often used to describe a geographic area that is under the jurisdiction of a specific government but might not have the full rights of a state or province. This term is frequently used for areas that are not fully integrated into a country, such as colonies or dependent areas.

Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Examples of usage

Ontario and Quebec are two of the most populous provinces in Canada.
In Italy, the regions are further divided into provinces.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical context

In ancient Rome, provinces were territories outside of Italy that were under Roman rule, usually governed by a Roman governor.

Synonyms

colony, territory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
provinces	Use this word to refer to administrative divisions within a country that have their own local governments. It typically implies a degree of autonomy from the central government. Canada is divided into ten provinces, each with its own premier. The economic policies vary significantly between the provinces.
territory	This word often refers to a region that is under the jurisdiction of a country but is not fully integrated as a state or province. It can also refer to any defined area of land. Guam is a U.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean. The military is protecting the national territory during the conflict.
colony	This term is typically used when referring to a territory that is controlled and governed by a distant country, often implying a historical context of colonization. It can carry negative connotations related to colonialism and oppression. India was a British colony until 1947. The colony struggled for independence for many years.

Word

Description / Examples

provinces

Use this word to refer to administrative divisions within a country that have their own local governments. It typically implies a degree of autonomy from the central government.

Canada is divided into ten provinces, each with its own premier.
The economic policies vary significantly between the provinces.

territory

This word often refers to a region that is under the jurisdiction of a country but is not fully integrated as a state or province. It can also refer to any defined area of land.

Guam is a U.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean.
The military is protecting the national territory during the conflict.

colony

This term is typically used when referring to a territory that is controlled and governed by a distant country, often implying a historical context of colonization. It can carry negative connotations related to colonialism and oppression.

India was a British colony until 1947.
The colony struggled for independence for many years.

Examples of usage

The Roman Empire was divided into provinces for easier administration.
The provinces were responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining order.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'province' comes from the Latin word 'provincia,' referring to a territory governed by laws.
Ancient Rome divided its empire into provinces to manage different areas efficiently.
In the Middle Ages, many European countries organized their lands into provinces for better local governance.

Geography

Countries like Canada and France consist of several provinces, each with its distinct identity.
In China, numerous provinces exist, each contributing to the rich diversity in culture and language.
Some nations, like Ethiopia, refer to their main divisions as states or regions, but they serve similar purposes as provinces.

Politics

In a federal government, provinces often have their own parliament or assembly to handle local matters.
The balance of power between provinces and a central government varies from country to country, influencing local autonomy.
Some political systems may grant provinces different levels of authority over education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Culture

Provinces often host distinct cultural festivals showcasing local traditions, food, and music.
Language variations can be pronounced between provinces, especially in multilingual countries.
Cuisine greatly differs from one province to another, offering unique flavors and dishes in each area.

Economy

Different provinces may specialize in various industries, like agriculture, mining, or technology, shaping their economies.
Provinces often rely on tourism, showcasing natural wonders or historical sites that attract visitors.
Trade between provinces can significantly influence the economic growth and resources availability in each area.

Translations

Translations of the word "provinces" in other languages:

🇵🇹 províncias

🇮🇳 प्रांत

🇩🇪 Provinzen

🇮🇩 provinsi

🇺🇦 провінції

🇵🇱 prowincje

🇯🇵 州

🇫🇷 provinces

🇪🇸 provincias

🇹🇷 eyaletler

🇰🇷 지방

🇸🇦 محافظات

🇨🇿 provincií

🇸🇰 provincie

🇨🇳 省份

🇸🇮 pokrajine

🇮🇸 héruð

🇰🇿 провинциялар

🇬🇪 პროვინციები

🇦🇿 əyalətlər

🇲🇽 provincias

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,767, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3764 superintendent
3765 worry
3766 rats
3767 provinces
3768 venture
3769 seventy
3770 attending
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