Rural Meaning and Definition
Rural
Pronunciation
/rʊrəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A area of land that is not urban in character, especially a village, town, or countryside with low population density and limited economic development, often characterized by natural scenery and a strong sense of community.
Etymology
The word “rural” comes from the Latin “rurales”, meaning “country dwellers” or “countryside dwellers”, and has its roots in the Old French “ruelle”, meaning “countryside” or “country”.
Usage Notes
Rural areas are often contrasted with urban areas, and the term is often used in contexts such as rural development, rural healthcare, and rural education.
Cultural References
Rural has been featured in various films and books, such as “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck, which portrays the struggles of migrant workers in rural America during the Great Depression.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Rural route
- Rural charm
Related Words or Phrases
- Urban
- Village
- Town
Collocations
- Rural landscapes
- Rural communities
- Rural life
Frequency of Use
Rural is a commonly used term in modern language, especially in contexts related to social and economic development, healthcare, and education.
Common Misspellings
- Rurial
- Roural