provincial
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provincial
Relating to the provinces; often with the negative connotation of being small-town, provincial, narrow-minded, or intellectually inflexible.
Seine Ansichten über moderne Kunst wirkten auf die Hauptstädter etwas provinzial.
His views on modern art seemed somewhat provincial to the people from the capital.
provincial
Purely administrative and without judgment: belonging to or concerning a province.
Die provinzialen Archive bewahren wichtige historische Dokumente der Region auf.
The provincial archives preserve important historical documents from the region.
The adjective 'provinzial' (provincial) derives directly from the noun 'die Provinz' (the province). It therefore describes something that is characteristic of the provinces or belongs to them.
Die Ausstellung zeigt Kunst aus der Zeit der römischen Herrschaft in Gallien und anderen provinzialen Gebieten.
The exhibition shows art from the period of Roman rule in Gaul and other provincial regions.
The meaning depends heavily on the context. If it is about administration, history, or geography, the meaning is neutral. If it is about opinions, culture, or taste, it is usually meant negatively.
Die provinziale Verwaltung hat ihren Sitz in der größten Stadt der Region.
The provincial administration is based in the largest city of the region.
In its negative meaning, 'provinzial' (provincial) is often combined with nouns such as 'Ansichten' (views), 'Geschmack' (taste), 'Denkweise' (way of thinking), or 'Verhalten' (behavior).
Seine Einrichtung wirkte auf die Besucher aus der Großstadt etwas provinzial.
His furnishings seemed somewhat provincial to the visitors from the big city.
In its neutral, administrative meaning, the word is found in combinations such as 'provinziales Archiv' (provincial archive), 'provinziale Regierung' (provincial government), or 'provinziale Zuständigkeit' (provincial jurisdiction).
Das provinziale Museum bewahrt die Geschichte der gesamten Region.
The provincial museum preserves the history of the entire region.
rural
Ländlich neutrally describes the non-urban character of a place. Provinzial can also evoke smaller towns, but it often carries a negative evaluation and then suggests narrowness or backwardness. Ländlich is suitable for an objective description; when expressing such criticism, provinzial may be intended.
Der kleine Ort wirkt wegen seiner ablehnenden Haltung gegenüber Neuem provinzial.
Because of its rejection of anything new, the small town seems provincial.
Der kleine Ort wirkt mit seinen Feldern angenehm ländlich.
With its fields, the small town has a pleasantly rural feel.
