ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rural

adj.
US //ˈɹʊɹəɫ// UK //ɹˈɔːɹəl// ru·ral
  1. 1 countryside (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    relating to the countryside rather than the city.

    relating to, characteristic of, or living in the country or agriculture as opposed to urban areas.

    Example

    They decided to move to a rural area to enjoy the quiet life.

    Example

    The government is investing in rural infrastructure to ensure that farming communities have reliable access to high-speed internet and modern healthcare.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners often confuse 'rural' with 'rustic'. While 'rural' is a neutral geographical term, 'rustic' often implies a simple, rough, or charming style.
Origin

From Old French rural, from Latin rūrālis (“rural”), from rūs (“countryside”) + -ālis.

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