Regional

Definition

The term "regional" describes something pertaining to, characteristic of, or limited to a particular region or geographic area, rather than being national or global in scope. As a noun, it can denote a person, service, or event associated with a specific region.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈriːdʒənəl/
• Respelling: REE‑juh‑nəl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈriːdʒənəl/
• Respelling: REE‑jə‑nəl

Etymology

"Regional" is formed from the noun region + the adjective‑forming suffix ‑al. Region stems from Latin regio (“direction, district”), related to regere (“to rule, guide”). Usage of "regional" is attested in English since the early 17th century.

Derivatives

• Regionally (adverb)
• Regionalism (noun)
• Regionalist (noun / adjective)
• Regionalize (verb)
• Regionalization (noun)

Synonyms

• Local
• Provincial
• Territorial
• District
• Area‑specific

Antonyms

• National
• Global
• International
• Worldwide
• Universal

Usage

"Regional" appears in political, economic, and everyday contexts. Examples: "The festival showcases regional cuisine," or "A new regional airline began operations last year."

Related Terms

• Region: A defined area or division of a larger space.
• Province: A principal administrative division in certain countries.
• Locality: A particular neighborhood or area.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Relating to a specific geographic area or district: Highlights features distinct to that area.
  • Example: "They studied regional dialects across the country."
• Limited in scope to a region; not national or international:
  • Example: "The policy focuses on regional growth rather than nationwide expansion."

Noun

• A service, event, or entity serving a distinct region:
  • Example: "He works for a regional broadcasting network."
• A person representing or coming from a particular region (informal):
  • Example: "At the conference, regionals from across Southeast Asia presented their findings."