Provincial

Definition

Provincial primarily describes something belonging or relating to a province. Additionally, it can suggest qualities often attributed to rural or non-metropolitan areas, such as narrowness of view or unsophisticated tastes.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prəˈvɪnʃəl/
• Respelling: pruh-VIN-shuhl (with "pruh" as in "prune," "VIN" as in "vintage," and "shuhl" as in "partial")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prəˈvɪnʃəl/
• Respelling: pruh-VIN-shuhl (similar to American English, with "pruh" as in "prune," "VIN" as in "vintage," and "shuhl" as in "partial")

In both dialects, the primary stress is on the second syllable ("VIN"). The overall pronunciation is consistent across the two versions, focusing on the "VIN" part of the word.

Etymology

Originates from the Latin "provincialis," which pertains to a province. Over time, the term acquired a secondary meaning suggesting characteristics often associated with areas outside major metropolitan centers.

Derivatives

• Provincialism
• Provincially
• Provinciality
• Provincialize
• Provincialness

Synonyms

Adjective

• Regional
• Local

Noun

• Countryman
• Rustic

Antonyms

Adjective

• Cosmopolitan
• Metropolitan

Noun

• Urbanite
• City-dweller

Usage

The term "provincial" can refer to both a characteristic and a person. As a characteristic, it often pertains to specific regions or provinces, sometimes carrying a connotation of narrow-mindedness or simplicity. As a person, it denotes someone from the provinces or someone displaying these associated characteristics.

Related Terms

• Rural
• Regional
• Locale
• Hinterland
• Outland

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Relating to a province: This describes anything pertaining to a province rather than the central areas of a country. This usage emphasizes geographical or administrative aspects rather than cultural traits.
  • Example: The provincial budget allocates funds specifically for rural infrastructure.
• Characterized by a lack of sophistication or narrow-mindedness: Often used pejoratively, this describes attitudes or behaviors that seem limited or unsophisticated, typically due to isolation from urban or cosmopolitan centers.
  • Example: His provincial views were evident in his dismissive attitude towards foreign films.

Noun

• A resident of a province: This simply refers to someone who lives in a province, especially as distinct from the capital or major cities.
  • Example: The provincials often visit the capital city to experience its cultural offerings.
• A person with limited or parochial views: In a more figurative sense, it refers to someone whose life experiences are limited to their local area, often leading to perceived narrow-mindedness or conservatism.
  • Example: Being a provincial, he found the diverse cultural practices in the new city quite challenging.