Cool MateProvincial
UK /["/prəˈvɪnʃl/"]/US /["/prəˈvɪnʃl/"]/
Definition
connected with one of the large areas that some countries are divided into, with its own local government
In simple words: related to a province or area outside the main city
Examples
- **provincial assemblies/elections**
- a provincial town
- It was all very dull and provincial—I longed for the city.
- In spite of his education and travels, he has remained very provincial.
Usage notes
Used when discussing something specific to a region or area. Less appropriate in big city contexts, often implies limited perspective or culture.
Grammar pattern
provincial + noun
Memory hint
Think of a province as a place that has its own special culture and ideas.
Collocations
- provincial government
- provincial differences
- provincial life
- provincial capital
- provincial regulations
Synonyms
- narrow-minded
Antonyms
- urban
- metropolitan
- cosmopolitan
Common mistakes
- Confusing with 'provincialism' which refers to a narrow-minded approach.
- Using 'provincial' to describe urban areas instead of rural or regional contexts.
- Mispronouncing it, making it sound like 'pro-vincial' instead of 'pro-vin-cial'.