# geographical

/ˌdʒiəˈɡɹæfɪkəɫ/ (US) · /dʒˌɪəɡɹˈæfɪkəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/geographical
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. relating to geography

adjective · CEFR B1

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

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

- The students looked at a geographical map to find the highest mountains in Europe.
- The geographical isolation of the island led to the development of unique plant species found nowhere else on the planet.

### 2. moving to solve a problem

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · Slang

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

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

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

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

## Examples

- The mountain range forms a natural geographical border.
- The company expanded its services to cover a wider geographical area, including several remote islands.
- Success in international trade often depends on understanding the geographical constraints of a region, such as its proximity to deep-water ports and major transport corridors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.