Word
rural
Phoneticsru·ral, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹʊɹəɫ/
UK/ɹˈɔːɹəl/
Definition
adj. relating to the countryside rather than the city.
adj. relating to, characteristic of, or living in the country or agriculture as opposed to urban areas.
Examples
“They live in a quiet rural area.”
“The government is investing in better internet access for rural communities to help local farmers sell their goods online.”
“While urban centers offer immediate access to diverse amenities, rural life often provides a sense of tranquility and a closer connection to the natural cycles of the seasons.”
Examples
simple
“They live in a quiet rural area.”
contextual
“The government is investing in better internet access for rural communities to help local farmers sell their goods online.”
complex
“While urban centers offer immediate access to diverse amenities, rural life often provides a sense of tranquility and a closer connection to the natural cycles of the seasons.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “rural” in context.
Adjective
01. predominantly rural
“The northern part of the country remains predominantly rural, with very few large cities.”
adv + adj
02. rural and urban
“The government is trying to bridge the economic gap between rural and urban populations.”
adj + and + adj
Noun
03. rural area
“Living in a rural area often means you need a car to get to the nearest supermarket.”
adj + noun
04. rural community
“The local library is the heart of this small rural community.”
adj + noun
05. rural development
“New funding has been allocated for rural development to improve internet access in villages.”
adj + noun
06. rural landscape
“The artist spent the summer painting the beautiful rural landscape of Tuscany.”
adj + noun
Preposition
07. in rural settings
“Traditional customs are often preserved more strictly in rural settings than in the city.”
prep + adj + noun
08. rural areas
09. rural communities
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse 'rural' with 'rustic'. While 'rural' is a neutral geographical term, 'rustic' often implies a simple, rough, or charming style.
Real-World Examples
“It was travelling from the town of Kariba in the north of the country to rural and fishing communities in the country’s northwest.” “Odgers had a free-range rural childhood in Canada, played a lot of sport and has coached youth basketball.” Etymology
From Old French rural, from Latin rūrālis (“rural”), from rūs (“countryside”) + -ālis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/rural