province
- 01 B1 Intermediate
one of the large areas that some countries are divided into, each with its own local government.
a principal administrative division of certain countries or empires, such as Canada, China, or ancient Rome.
Simple“She grew up in a small town in the province of Ontario.”
In context“The federal government allocated additional funding to each province to improve rural healthcare infrastructure and digital connectivity.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the parts of a country that are not the capital city.
the parts of a country outside the national capital, often implying a more traditional or less cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Simple“After years of living in London, they decided to move out to the provinces for a quieter life.”
In context“While the capital remains the financial hub, much of the country's industrial power is concentrated in the provinces.”
UsageUsually used in the plural form 'the provinces'.
Synonymsthe regionsthe countrysideAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
a particular subject or area of activity that someone is responsible for or knows a lot about.
an area of special knowledge, interest, or responsibility; a person's particular domain.
Simple“I can help with the budget, but the technical side of the project is Sarah's province.”
In context“The dean argued that curriculum development should remain the exclusive province of the faculty rather than the administration.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
a large area of land that has the same types of rocks and a similar history.
a spatial entity with common geological attributes, such as a similar suite of rock types or structural features.
Simple“The volcanic province contains many ancient lava flows and unique minerals.”
In context“Researchers are mapping the igneous province to better understand the tectonic forces that shaped the continent millions of years ago.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
an area of a church that is under the control of an archbishop.
a district under the jurisdiction of an archbishop or a high-ranking official in a monastic order.
Simple“The archbishop travelled across the province to visit several different churches.”
In context“The ecclesiastical province comprises several dioceses, each overseen by a bishop who reports to the metropolitan archbishop.”
Synonyms
“It has so far burned 31,000 hectares in the province of Huelva and forced the evacuation of about 700 people.”
“For example, Barcelona has a population density of 16,000 people/km2, while the province of Soria has just 9 people/km2.”
From Middle English provynce, from Anglo-Norman province, Old French province, from Latin prōvincia, seemingly corresponding to prō- and vinciō. Replaced Old English boldġetæl.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.