Word
parochial
US/pɝˈoʊkiəɫ/
UK/pæɹˈɒkɪəl/
Definitions
01narrow-minded
adj. having a narrow mind and only caring about your own small town or group instead of the whole world.
adj. characterized by a narrow or limited scope; focused exclusively on local concerns to the detriment of a broader perspective.
“The council was criticized for its parochial view on the global climate crisis.”
“The CEO warned that a parochial mindset would prevent the firm from competing effectively in the international marketplace.”
Formal
Usage
Often carries a negative or derogatory tone when used to describe someone's attitude.
Teaching tip
In modern usage, this is most commonly used to criticize people who refuse to consider the 'big picture'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02relating to a parish
adj. relating to a local church and the area it serves.
adj. pertaining to a parish, which is a small administrative district typically having its own church and priest.
“She spent many years working for the parochial school in her neighborhood.”
“The bishop visited the village to discuss parochial boundaries and the maintenance of the medieval church building.”
Formal · Technical
Usage
Commonly found in the phrase 'parochial school' in American English.
Teaching tip
While this is the original meaning, students will mostly encounter it in the context of religious education or church administration.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“In some cases, opposition might amount to parochial not in my backyard — or NIMBY — concerns.” “Florida’s use of public money to expand school choice and vouchers to attend private and parochial schools began in 1999 as two targeted programs for special needs and low-income students .” Etymology
From Anglo-Norman parochial and its source Late Latin parochialis, an alteration of paroecialis (“of a church province”), from paroecia, from Hellenistic Greek παροικία (paroikía, “stay in a foreign land”), later “community, diocese”, from Ancient Greek πάροικος (pároikos, “neighbouring, neighbour”), from παρα- (para-) + οἶκος (oîkos, “house”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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englishreference.com/q/parochial