country
noun (countable)
UK/ˈkʌn.tri/US/ˈkʌn.tri/
The rural areas of a nation, as opposed to urban areas.
Example Sentences
She enjoys spending her weekends in the country, away from the city's hustle and bustle.
The country is known for its scenic landscapes and peaceful environment.
They own a farm in the country where they grow organic vegetables.
Life in the country is quieter and more relaxed compared to the city.
Many people seek to escape to the country for a more tranquil lifestyle.
The country offers vast open spaces and opportunities for outdoor activities.
They built their house in the country to be closer to nature.
The country has a strong agricultural sector, contributing significantly to the economy.
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adjective
UK/ˈkʌn.tri/US/ˈkʌn.tri/
Relating to the countryside; rural.
Example Sentences
They own a country house where they spend their summers.
She prefers country living to the fast-paced city life.
The country roads are winding and picturesque, offering beautiful views.
Country music is popular in many rural regions.
He enjoys the country scenery and the simplicity of life away from the urban center.
The country landscape is dotted with farms, forests, and open fields.
They moved to a country village to enjoy a quieter and more peaceful environment.
The country traditions and customs are still preserved in the small rural communities.
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How to Use
A territorial nation or region, typically self-governed and culturally distinct.This noun generally refers to a sovereign state or territory with clear borders, a centralized government, and shared traditions or cultural markers. You might say, “He’s traveling to a new country,” highlighting crossing international boundaries. Politically, a country manages its own affairs, laws, and civic institutions, like schools and healthcare. You can also talk about its people’s collective identity: “They take pride in their country’s history.” In casual use, it can mean rural or non-urban areas, as in “the countryside,” focusing on farmland or natural landscapes as opposed to big cities. However, the most common meaning points to a geographical and political entity recognized by other nations, often a member of international communities such as the United Nations. When using “country,” clarify whether you mean a nation-state (e.g., Germany, Brazil, Japan) or countryside (“country living,” “out in the country”) so listeners or readers grasp the right context. The term can evoke patriotism, travel, cultural diversity, governance, or rural vs. urban contrasts, all depending on the speaker’s intent.
Alternatives
If you want synonyms or related terms, consider “nation,” “state,” or “sovereign state” when you need a formal or legal emphasis. “Land” or “realm” might evoke a more historical or literary feel. For the rural aspect, “countryside,” “rural area,” or “backcountry” points to pastoral landscapes or less-developed regions outside cities. In contexts focusing on population or cultural identity, “homeland” might underline emotional or ancestral ties. “Territory” can be useful if you’re emphasizing jurisdiction or land ownership, though it doesn’t always imply full sovereignty. Pick the term that aligns with your topic—geopolitical discussions, travel and tourism, local governance, or reflections on rural vs. urban life—to maintain clarity and precision.
Writing
In writing, specifying “country” helps establish your setting, whether it’s a travel piece highlighting a nation’s landmarks or a political analysis discussing governance structures. If you’re describing a storyline or historical event, pinpoint its significance by naming the country, mentioning its key cultural or political features: “The conflict reshaped the country’s national identity.” You might compare countries in an essay on globalization or cover demographic data illustrating economic or social patterns. To avoid repetition, intersperse synonyms or references to cities, regions, or cultural groups within that country. Whether you’re illustrating scenic countryside in creative prose or dissecting how a country’s laws impact migration, detail is your friend—stats, cultural traits, or historical context enrich a reader’s sense of place and national character. Clarity about your focus—whether governance, geography, or culture—keeps your writing organized. Use transitions to guide readers through each facet: “Politically, the country adopted reforms; culturally, it preserved time-honored traditions.” Such structure ensures readers grasp the significance and nuances of your portrayal of any given country.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “country” often pops up when talking about travel, current events, or personal heritage. “What country are you from?” is a common get-to-know-you question, or “I want to visit a new country this summer” signals wanderlust. People use it to reference news—“The country is going through an economic downturn”—or to express national pride (“I love my country”). It can also mean non-urban environments: “Let’s spend the weekend in the country, away from city noise.” If context is unclear, you might clarify which meaning you intend by adding detail—“I like the peace and quiet of country life,” or “He’s exploring different countries in Europe.” In casual settings, variety helps: synonyms like “nation,” “homeland,” or “rural area” depending on whether you’re talking about traveling abroad, personal identity, or natural scenery. This ensures you convey exactly what part of “country” you’re referencing—its borders, culture, or countryside charms—without confusion or overuse.
Etymology
The English word “country” descends from the Old French “contree,” tracing further back to the Medieval Latin “contrata,” suggesting “the land lying opposite or in front.” Over time, it absorbed connotations of a defined region or place of origin. As political entities became more delineated, “country” increasingly referred to territory governed by a shared authority—a nation-state. Simultaneously, it retained a sense of rural landscapes beyond major towns, preserving the image of open fields and simpler living. Across centuries, “country” took on dual roles: a concept of sovereignty and a vision of pastoral life, each reflecting historical shifts in politics, society, and the spread of urban centers. Though nowadays firmly linked to the idea of a sovereign nation, its roots still echo in how we speak of “the countryside”—signifying not just borders and governance, but also the land itself and the lifestyle it fosters.