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.
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.
regional
'regional' and 'provinzial' can both refer to an area outside a major center. 'regional' is neutral and is used for ordinary areas, services, or distinctive features. 'provinzial' can mean, in a purely administrative sense, 'belonging to a province', but it often has a negative tone: something then seems small-town, narrow, or not very open. Learners may therefore confuse the words, but they should pay attention to the tone. 'Regional' is usually safe and neutral; 'provinzial' can quickly sound critical or negative.
Seine Bemerkung über moderne Kunst klang ziemlich provinzial.
His comment about modern art sounded quite provincial.
Für ihr Projekt sammelt Frau Klein regionale Geschichten aus dem Dorf.
For her project, Ms. Klein is collecting regional stories from the village.