What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
provincial
Example
His provincial attitude made it difficult for him to understand other cultures. [provincial: adjective]
Example
The festival showcased the best of the provincial cuisine. [provincial: adjective]
Example
She had a provincial outlook on life, never venturing beyond her hometown. [provincial: noun]
parochial
Example
His parochial views made it difficult for him to accept new ideas. [parochial: adjective]
Example
The parochial school had a strict dress code. [parochial: adjective]
Example
She had a parochial upbringing, never leaving her small town. [parochial: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Provincial is more commonly used than parochial in everyday language. Provincial is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while parochial is less common and has a more specific religious and geographic association.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between provincial and parochial?
Both provincial and parochial are typically associated with an informal tone, but provincial can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
