Province
'prɑːvɪns
Definitions
3 meaningsA region of a country, often with its own government, forming part of a larger country.
'prɑːvɪns
A principal administrative division of a country or empire.
The province of Quebec is known for its French culture.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big cake (the country) cut into several slices. Each slice is a province! Each province has its own little rules and sometimes even its own leader.
👶 For kids: A part of a country, like a piece of a puzzle that fits into the bigger picture.
More Examples
She grew up in a rural province.
The company expanded its operations into a new province.
How It's Used
"Canada is divided into ten provinces and three territories."
A dependent territory or region controlled by a more powerful state.
'prɑːvɪns
A territory governed as a unit of a larger empire or nation.
The Roman Empire established many provinces.
💡 Simply: In the olden days, like in the time of the Romans, a province was an area that a big, powerful nation controlled. Think of it like a colony.
👶 For kids: When a big kingdom takes over a smaller land and rules it.
More Examples
The conquered territory became a province of the expanding empire.
Historical texts document the administration of the provinces.
How It's Used
"The Roman Empire controlled many provinces."
A particular area of responsibility or activity.
'prɑːvɪns
An area of expertise, activity, or responsibility.
Medical research is her province.
💡 Simply: Think of it as your 'turf' or what you're in charge of, kind of like what you're really good at or know a lot about.
👶 For kids: The thing that you are good at.
More Examples
Finance and investment are his province.
Creativity is the province of artists and designers.
How It's Used
"Education is his province."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
beyond someone's province
Outside of someone's area of expertise or responsibility.
"That decision is beyond my province; I'm just here to advise."
From Middle English, from Old French province, from Latin provincia ('a conquered territory, a province'), perhaps from pro ('before, in behalf of') + vincere ('to conquer').
Historically, the term 'province' has been used to describe territories controlled by empires such as the Roman Empire. It was also used in early modern times for administrative divisions within kingdoms.
Memory tip
Think of it as a smaller 'country' inside a bigger one.