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provincial

adjective

/prəˈvɪnʃl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of provincial

Narrow-minded, unsophisticated, or lacking in broad knowledge or experience.
"He had a very provincial mindset and was not open to new ideas."

Detailed meaning of provincial

It often implies a lack of exposure to different cultures or ways of thinking, and a tendency to be rooted in traditional or conservative values. A provincial person may be seen as overly concerned with local or regional issues and unaware of broader global trends. A provincial place may lack cultural diversity or amenities found in larger, more cosmopolitan cities. An attitude that is provincial may be characterized by a resistance to change, a lack of openness to new ideas, or a reluctance to venture outside of one's comfort zone. Overall, the term 'provincial' connotes a certain insularity or parochialism, and is often used in a negative sense to suggest a lack of sophistication or breadth of knowledge.

Example sentences containing provincial

1. Despite his provincial views, he ventured into the cosmopolitan city.
2. Her provincial mindset hindered her from embracing new ideas.
3. The provincial attitudes in the small town stifled creativity.
4. He displayed a provincial outlook on global affairs.
5. Their provincial outlook limited their cultural appreciation.
6. She found it challenging to break free from her provincial upbringing.

History and etymology of provincial

The adjective 'provincial' traces its etymology back to the Latin word 'provincia,' which originally referred to a Roman province or territory outside of Italy. Over time, the term took on a broader meaning to describe regions or areas that were considered remote or less civilized compared to the city of Rome. This association with remote or outlying regions led to the development of the adjective 'provincial' in English, which came to signify qualities such as narrow-mindedness, unsophistication, or a lack of broad knowledge or experience. It suggests a mindset or attitude reminiscent of rural or less cosmopolitan areas, where people may be less exposed to diverse ideas and cultures, emphasizing the historical and geographical underpinnings of the word's modern connotations.

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Further usage examples of provincial

1. The provincial thinking in the village hindered progress.
2. He remained provincial in his taste for traditional cuisine.
3. The provincial atmosphere failed to nurture her artistic talents.
4. Overcoming provincial biases was a personal growth journey.
5. The provincial crowd was unfamiliar with modern art forms.
6. A provincial mindset can hinder adaptability in the corporate world.
7. His provincial perspective made him resistant to change.
8. She aimed to broaden her horizons beyond her provincial roots.
9. Provincial beliefs often clash with progressive ideologies.
10. In the age of information, provincialism is a significant drawback.
11. Their provincial upbringing influenced their conservative values.
12. The provincial town lacked exposure to diverse cultures.
13. Breaking free from provincial norms was a liberating experience.
14. He aspired to shed his provincial identity and explore the world.
15. The food was very traditional and reflected the provincial cuisine.
16. The residents were proud of their provincial heritage and culture.
17. He had a provincial accent that was hard to understand for some people.
18. The city was known for its provincial charm and picturesque landscapes.
19. She had a provincial attitude and was not comfortable in the big city.
20. The architecture was very traditional and reflected the province's history.
21. The art fair featured works by provincial artists.
22. The school had a very provincial curriculum and did not offer many advanced courses.
23. The province had a high rate of poverty and underdevelopment.
24. The dress code was very traditional and reflected the province's customs.
25. The small town had a very provincial atmosphere, with a strong sense of community.