Country
'kʌntri
Definitions
3 meaningsA nation with its own government, occupying a particular territory.
'kʌntri
The United States is a diverse country.
💡 Simply: A country is like a big group of people living in the same place, with their own rules and a leader. Imagine your home, but a much, much bigger one! Like, if you live in America, America is your country.
👶 For kids: A country is like a really big house where lots and lots of people live together, like the USA or Canada.
More Examples
She is proud of her country's history.
He traveled to several countries in Europe.
How It's Used
"The country's government implemented new economic policies."
"France is a beautiful country."
"She decided to visit a new country for her vacation."
The land of a person's birth, residence, or citizenship.
'kʌntri
She is returning to her country after many years abroad.
💡 Simply: Your country is the place you belong to, the place you call home. Where you were born, or where you feel the strongest connection. For example, when people say 'home sweet home,' they also use 'country' to express where their heart is.
👶 For kids: Your country is the place where you were born, or the place you live and feel like it's your home.
More Examples
His country is known for its beautiful landscapes.
They have a strong sense of pride in their country.
How It's Used
"He loves his country and its people."
"After many years abroad, he returned to his country."
A region that is away from cities and towns; rural area.
'kʌntri
They bought a house in the country to escape the city.
💡 Simply: Imagine wide open spaces with farms and trees, away from the crowded cities and towns. That's the country! It's all about nature and peace. It could be a place you go on holiday.
👶 For kids: The country is like a place where there are farms and trees and not many houses close together, away from the busy cities.
More Examples
The family enjoys spending weekends in the country.
The fresh air of the country is a welcome change.
How It's Used
"They moved to the country to enjoy the peace and quiet."
"She prefers the slower pace of life in the country."
Idioms & expressions
country mile
A very long distance.
"It was a country mile away."
go country
To move or retreat into a more rural area to find a place of peace
"After the busy city life, they decided to go country."
From Old French *contrée* ('region, territory'), derived from Late Latin *contrata* ('land lying opposite'), ultimately from *contra* ('against, opposite').
The word 'country' has been used since the 13th century, originally referring to a region or district, and later evolving to encompass the concept of a nation.
Memory tip
Think of a map and a flag – that's your country!
Word Origin
"region, territory"