ENGLISH
REFERENCE

geographical

adj. · n.
US //ˌdʒiəˈɡɹæfɪkəɫ// UK //dʒˌɪəɡɹˈæfɪkəl// ge·o·graph·i·cal
  1. 1 relating to geography (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    relating to the study of the earth's surface, including its countries, mountains, and rivers.

    pertaining to the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, or the distribution of populations and resources.

    Example

    The students looked at a geographical map to find the highest mountains in Europe.

    Example

    The geographical isolation of the island led to the development of unique plant species found nowhere else on the planet.
  2. 2 moving to solve a problem (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal Slang

    a move to a new city or country because you hope it will help you stop a bad habit or addiction.

    a relocation undertaken in the belief that a change of environment will resolve psychological issues or substance dependencies.

    Example

    He thought moving to the coast would help him stay sober, but it was just another geographical.

    Example

    The counsellor warned him that a geographical rarely works if the underlying causes of the addiction remain unaddressed.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'pulling a geographical'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very niche term used in recovery communities; most native speakers will only know the adjective form.
Origin

From Late Latin geōgraphicus + -al. By surface analysis, geography + -ical.

Word family

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