English Reference
adjective · noun

rustic

adj. · n.
US /ˈɹəstɪk/ UK /ɹˈʌstɪk/ rus·tic UK spelling rustics

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.having a style that is typical of the countryside; simple and natural.

    adj.relating to or typical of the countryside; possessing a charmingly simple or unsophisticated quality associated with rural life.

    Simple

    The hotel had a rustic charm with its wooden beams and open fireplace.

    In context

    The designer opted for a rustic aesthetic, incorporating reclaimed timber and hand-woven textiles to evoke a sense of rural tranquility.

    Usage

    Often used as a positive descriptor in the context of interior design or tourism.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Literary

    n.a person who lives in the country and is thought to lack modern manners.

    n.an inhabitant of a rural area; often carries a connotation of being unsophisticated or uncultured.

    Simple

    In the old story, the city boy is surprised by the wisdom of the local rustic.

    In context

    The playwright often used the character of the simple rustic to provide comic relief and a grounded perspective on the aristocrats' problems.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, calling someone a 'rustic' can be offensive or patronising; it is mostly found in older literature.

    city dweller

From Latin rūsticus. Doublet of roister.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin rūsticus
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated