Meaning & Definition of word "Provincial"

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    Provincial

    /prəˈvɪnʃəl/

    noun:

    • 1. A person who comes from a province, especially someone who is considered unsophisticated.
      • Example: Despite his success, he still felt like a provincial among his more cosmopolitan peers.

    adjective:

    • 1. Relating to a province or provinces.
      • Example: The provincial government has announced new policies to improve local infrastructure.
    • 2. Limited in outlook; narrow-minded.
      • Example: His provincial attitude prevented him from understanding the broader issues at play.
    • 3. Characteristic of the regions outside the capital city, especially when regarded as unsophisticated or narrow-minded.
      • Example: She found the provincial lifestyle charming, filled with traditions and a slower pace of life.

    Etymology

    From Middle English, from Latin 'provincialis', from 'provincia'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    provincial capital:

    The chief city of a province.

    provincial government:

    The government responsible for a province.

    provincial mindset:

    A way of thinking that is narrow or limited.

    Related Words

    province:

    A principal administrative division of a country.

    local:

    Relating to a particular area.

    regional:

    Relating to or characteristic of a region.

    Slang Meanings of provincial

    Meaning: A person with limited knowledge of the wider world.

    Example Sentence: Don't be such a provincial; try to experience different cultures.

    Meaning: Someone who looks down on others from outside their locality.

    Example Sentence: He acts like a provincial, thinking his town is the best place on earth.