Provincialism: meaning, definitions and examples
🌾
provincialism
[ prəˈvɪnʃ(ə)lɪz(ə)m ]
cultural
Provincialism refers to the attitudes, viewpoints, or behaviors that are characteristic of people from rural areas or small towns. It often involves a narrow-minded or parochial outlook, with a focus on local traditions and customs.
Synonyms
localism, narrow-mindedness, parochialism.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| provincialism |
Used to describe a focus on local or regional concerns often implying a lack of sophistication or awareness of broader issues. May have a slightly negative connotation.
|
| narrow-mindedness |
Describes a lack of willingness to consider different ideas or viewpoints. Strongly negative connotation, indicating intolerance and inflexibility.
|
| parochialism |
Indicates a narrow focus on local or trivial matters, often implying a limited or backward perspective. Typically negative and similar in strength to narrow-mindedness.
|
| localism |
Highlights a preference for a specific local area or community, often emphasizing the importance of local customs and practices. Typically neutral, but can be slightly negative if it implies resistance to broader perspectives.
|
Examples of usage
- Her provincialism was evident in her reluctance to try new foods from other cultures.
- The author's work was criticized for its provincialism, as it failed to address broader societal issues.
- His provincialism led him to believe that city life was inferior to rural living.
- The film highlighted the clash between urban sophistication and rural provincialism.
- Breaking free from provincialism can open up new opportunities and perspectives.
Translations
Translations of the word "provincialism" in other languages:
🇵🇹 provincianismo
🇮🇳 प्रांतीयता
🇩🇪 Provinzialismus
🇮🇩 provinsialisme
🇺🇦 провінціалізм
🇵🇱 prowincjonalizm
🇯🇵 地方主義 (chihō shugi)
🇫🇷 provincialisme
🇪🇸 provincialismo
🇹🇷 taşralılık
🇰🇷 지방주의 (jibangjuui)
🇸🇦 الإقليمية (al-iqlimiyya)
🇨🇿 provinciálnost
🇸🇰 provinčnosť
🇨🇳 地方主义 (dìfāng zhǔyì)
🇸🇮 provincializem
🇮🇸 sveitahugsun
🇰🇿 провинциализм
🇬🇪 პროვინციალიზმი (provintsi-alizmi)
🇦🇿 provinsializm
🇲🇽 provincialismo
Etymology
The word 'provincialism' originated in the early 19th century, deriving from the French word 'provincialisme' and the Latin word 'provincia' meaning 'province'. Initially used in a geographical sense to refer to regions outside the capital city, its meaning evolved to encompass cultural and societal aspects. The term gained prominence in literary and sociological contexts to describe a narrow or limited perspective associated with rural or small-town life.