Village

Definition

Village is a noun referring to a small community or group of houses in a rural area, typically smaller than a town but larger than a hamlet. It can also refer to the inhabitants of such a community.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɪl.ɪdʒ/
• Respelling: VIL-ij

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɪl.ɪdʒ/
• Respelling: VIL-ij

Etymology

The word "village" originates from Old French "village," meaning "a group of houses or dwellings," derived from Latin "villaticum," referring to a farmstead or estate. It ultimately comes from "villa," meaning "country house."

Derivatives

• Villager (noun)
• Village-like (adjective)
• Villagery (noun, archaic)
• Villagehood (noun)
• Microvillage (noun)

Synonyms

• Hamlet
• Community
• Settlement

Antonyms

• City
• Metropolis
• Urban area

Usage

The noun "village" is often used to describe small rural communities, as in "She grew up in a quaint village surrounded by farmland." It can also describe a collective identity, as in "The village came together to celebrate the festival."

Related Terms

• Town: A larger settlement, typically with more infrastructure than a village.
• Hamlet: A small settlement, usually smaller than a village.
• Rural: Relating to the countryside rather than the city.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A small rural community or settlement: Refers to a cluster of houses and associated buildings.
  • Example: "The village had only one grocery store and a post office."
• The inhabitants of such a settlement: Refers collectively to the people living in a village.
  • Example: "The entire village gathered for the celebration."
• In a metaphorical or global sense: Refers to a close-knit or interconnected group.
  • Example: "The internet has made the world feel like a global village."