Meaning & Definition of word "Provincial"

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.