provincial
UK: prəˈvɪnʃ(ə)l | US: prəˈvɪnʃ(ə)l
adj. relating to a province or its government
adj. narrow-minded or unsophisticated (derogatory)
n. an inhabitant of a province
provincial = provinc<province> + ial<adjective suffix>
- provinc<province>: From Latin provincia (territory under Roman administration), later generalized to mean a region or administrative division.
- ial<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating relation or pertaining to (e.g., "spatial," "industrial").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin provincia, which referred to conquered territories governed by Rome. Over time, it evolved to denote regions outside cultural or political centers. The suffix -ial was added in Middle English to form an adjective meaning "of a province." The derogatory sense ("narrow-minded") arose in the 18th century, reflecting stereotypes of provincial life as less cosmopolitan.
The provincial government announced new infrastructure projects.
His provincial attitude made him resistant to new ideas.
She moved from a small town to escape provincial life.
The artist’s work was criticized as too provincial by urban critics.
As a provincial, he often felt out of place in the capital.