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Provincial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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provincial

[prəˈvɪnʃənl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

government

Of or concerning a province of a country or empire.

Synonyms

local, regional, territorial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
provincial

This is used to describe something related to a province. It can often have negative connotations when referring to a person, implying they have a narrow or unsophisticated view.

  • The provincial government has announced new policies.
  • She has a very provincial mindset, having never traveled outside her hometown.
regional

This describes something pertaining to a larger area that can cover several towns or cities but is smaller than a nation. It is often used in a more formal or administrative context.

  • The regional manager oversees several branches.
  • Regional differences in dialect can be quite noticeable.
local

This is used to describe something that belongs to a specific area or neighborhood. It is neutral and commonly used in everyday language.

  • I love going to the local market on weekends.
  • The local council is responsible for maintaining the park.
territorial

This usually refers to something related to the administrative regions or territories of a larger area, including countries. It can also relate to animals or people aggressively defending space they consider theirs, which adds a negative connotation.

  • The territorial boundaries were highly disputed.
  • Cats can be very territorial animals, often marking their territory with scent.

Examples of usage

  • provincial government
  • provincial election
Context #2 | Adjective

attitude

Having attitudes and opinions that are traditional rather than fashionable or modern.

Synonyms

conservative, old-fashioned, traditional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
provincial

Used to describe someone or something that is considered unsophisticated or narrow-minded, often from a small town.

  • Her views on art are so provincial; she has never appreciated modern styles
conservative

Used to describe someone who prefers traditional values and is resistant to change, often in a political or social context.

  • He has a conservative approach to investments, avoiding high-risk opportunities
traditional

Used to describe practices, values, or items that have been passed down through generations and are seen as a part of cultural heritage.

  • We celebrated the wedding with a traditional ceremony that included all the customs of our ancestors
old-fashioned

Used to describe someone or something that is perceived as outdated or not in line with current trends.

  • Grandmother's kitchen is full of old-fashioned utensils that you rarely see nowadays

Examples of usage

  • a provincial outlook on life
  • a provincial attitude towards technology
Context #3 | Noun

person

A person who lives in or comes from a province.

Synonyms

countryman, local, rural dweller.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
provincial

This word is used to describe someone from a province, often with an implication that they are less sophisticated or cosmopolitan. Be cautious, as it can have a negative connotation.

  • She had a provincial accent that stood out in the big city.
  • His ideas seemed rather provincial compared to the modern thinking of the urban dwellers.
countryman

This word is used to refer to someone from the same country, especially from rural areas. It carries a neutral to positive tone.

  • As a countryman, he felt a strong connection to the people from his village.
  • Meeting a fellow countryman abroad always brings a sense of comfort.
rural dweller

This term is quite formal and is specifically used to refer to someone who lives in a rural area. It’s neutral and often used in academic or descriptive contexts.

  • Rural dwellers tend to have a closer relationship with nature.
  • The government launched a new initiative to support rural dwellers.
local

Used to describe someone from a particular area or community, especially in contrast to outsiders. This term is neutral and very common in everyday language.

  • The local residents were very welcoming to tourists.
  • You should ask a local if you need directions.

Examples of usage

  • The play is set in a small town and features a group of provincials.
  • He was considered a provincial by the city dwellers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In literature, provincial settings often symbolize simplicity and a slower way of life compared to urban environments.
  • The term can carry both positive and negative connotations, meaning it may refer to authenticity and traditions or imply narrow-mindedness.

Sociology

  • Studies show that people from provincial areas may have different social interactions and values compared to urban dwellers.
  • Remarkable differences in lifestyle and perspective often emerge when comparing provincial and urban populations.

Politics

  • Provincial policies can greatly impact local economies and governance, sometimes leading to tension with national policies.
  • In many countries, provincial elections play a crucial role in shaping regional leadership and policies.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict provincial life as idyllic and peaceful, showcasing the charm of small-town living.
  • Songs sometimes use 'provincial' themes to contrast the hustle of city life with the tranquility of rural settings.

Origin of 'provincial'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'provincia', which originally referred to conquered regions of the Roman Empire.
  • Over time, the term evolved to describe the administrative regions outside the capital city in various countries.

The word 'provincial' originated in the late Middle English period from the Old French word 'provincial' and the Latin word 'provincialis', meaning 'of a province'. Originally used in the context of the Roman Catholic Church to refer to a religious order living in a province, it later evolved to refer to anything related to a province of a country or empire.

See also: provinces, provincially.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,316, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.