Province

Definition

Province primarily refers to a principal administrative division of certain countries or empires, especially those outside of the capital city.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprɑvɪns/
• Respelling: PRAHV-ins (with "PRAHV" as in "cot" with a 'p' and 'r,' and "ins" as in "pins")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprɒvɪns/
• Respelling: PROV-ins (with "PROV" as in "cot" with a 'p' and 'r,' and "ins" as in "pins")

In both dialects, "province" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. The American pronunciation uses a slightly more open 'ah' sound in "PRAHV," whereas the British pronunciation uses a more rounded 'o' sound in "PROV." Both emphasize the first syllable clearly.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin "provincia", initially referring to a sphere of authority or an appointed administrative function. Over time, it evolved to denote territorial areas outside of the capital.

Derivatives

• Provincial
• Provincially
• Provinciate
• Provincialism
• Provincialize

Synonyms

• Territory
• Region
• District

Antonyms

• Metropolis
• Capital
• City

Usage

The term "province" is commonly utilized to denote divisions within countries, representing areas that might have their own local governance but still fall under the sovereignty of the larger nation.

Related Terms

• State
• County
• Division
• Prefecture
• Borough

Detailed Definition

Noun

• An area of a country or empire that is outside of the capital city and has its own system of government.
• Example: British Columbia is a province in Canada.

• A field or domain of a particular activity or interest.
• Example: The decisions regarding the school's curriculum are the province of the board of education.

• An area that has its own local church government and leadership, especially in the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches.
• Example: The archbishop oversees several churches within his province.