Rural Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rural

[ˈrʊərəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

life in the countryside

relating to or characteristic of the countryside rather than the town.

Synonyms

countryside, provincial, remote, rustic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rural	Used when describing areas outside of cities and towns, typically associated with farming or agriculture. She grew up in a rural community where everyone knows each other. Rural areas often have more open space and fresh air.
countryside	Refers to the land and scenery of rural areas, often emphasizing the natural environment. They enjoy weekend trips to the countryside to escape the city's hustle. The countryside is beautiful in the spring when flowers bloom.
rustic	Focuses on the simplicity and old-fashioned charm of rural life. Often used to describe aesthetic qualities related to country life. The restaurant has a rustic charm with its wooden furniture and stone fireplace. They stayed in a rustic cottage by the lake.
remote	Describes areas that are distant or far from the main population centers, often difficult to access. The village is so remote that it doesn't have any paved roads. They chose a remote cabin in the mountains for their retreat.
provincial	Has both a neutral and slightly negative connotation, referring to areas outside the capital or major cities. Sometimes implies being unsophisticated or narrow-minded. He has a provincial attitude, not very accepting of new ideas. Provincial towns can be charming but are often quieter than cities.

Examples of usage

It's a peaceful rural village.
She grew up in a rural area.
The rural landscape was breathtaking.
We enjoyed the rural lifestyle.
The rural population is decreasing.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

related to agriculture

of, relating to, or characteristic of farming or country life.

Synonyms

agrarian, agricultural, countrified, farming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rural	Use when describing areas outside cities and towns with low population density. She prefers living in a rural area away from the city noise. The rural community gathered for the annual fair.
agricultural	Best used when talking about anything related to the business, science, or practice of farming. He is studying agricultural engineering. Agricultural development is crucial for the country’s economy.
farming	Specifically refers to the activity or business of growing crops and raising livestock. Farming is hard work but rewarding. They decided to take up farming after inheriting the land.
agrarian	Most appropriate when discussing agriculture, farming practices, or societies primarily engaged in agriculture. The region's economy is primarily agrarian. Agrarian societies have unique cultural practices.
countrified	Often used to describe something that has a charming, rustic, and rural appearance or feel. It sometimes has a slightly old-fashioned or quaint connotation. The restaurant had a countrified charm with its wooden tables and vintage decor. She wore a countrified dress that reminded him of the countryside.

Examples of usage

The rural economy depends on agriculture.
He works in the rural sector.

Translations

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

Origin of 'rural'

The word 'rural' originated from the Latin word 'ruralis', meaning 'of the countryside'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe anything related to the countryside or country life. The concept of rural areas has evolved over time, reflecting changes in agriculture, technology, and society.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,548, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1545 efficiency
1546 build
1547 forced
1548 rural
1549 apparent
1550 killed
1551 dependent
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