What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rural
Example
She grew up in a rural community and loved the peacefulness of the countryside. [rural: adjective]
Example
The government is investing in rural development to improve the quality of life for people living in remote areas. [rural: noun]
countryside
Example
We went for a drive in the countryside to enjoy the fall foliage. [countryside: noun]
Example
He moved to the countryside to escape the noise and pollution of the city. [countryside: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Countryside is less common than rural in everyday language, but it is often used in tourism, travel, and leisure contexts. Rural is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, including agriculture, economics, and sociology.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between rural and countryside?
Rural is more formal than countryside, as it is often used in academic, technical, or professional contexts. Countryside is more informal and can be used in casual or conversational contexts.
