parochial

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "parochial" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning narrowly restricted in scope or outlook, especially regarding religion or politics. For example: "The church membership was very parochial; they rarely welcomed new ideas or members from other backgrounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are going to see a parochial, unchecked, economy developing with the marginalisation of any progressive-thinking Zimbabweans.

The Guardian

Within the space of a few years, large parochial cemeteries, nestling on the edge of the city, were an accepted part of the London landscape.

The Guardian

By the 1860s, garden cemeteries surrounded the metropolis on all sides, both commercial and parochial.

The Guardian

The restlessness of youth, the landscape of the north, parents, class, the 1984 miners' strike (over long before she was born), and peripheral glimpses of the animal world are some of the poetic concerns of a collection that never becomes parochial or narrowly autobiographical.

The Guardian - Books

The content of Cowell-related films, so far, has been essentially both parochial and recycled.

The Guardian - Film

Although this appeal to the parochial record of individual Dail deputies might save a few Fianna Fáil TDs, there is still likely to be a merciless cull of its parliamentarians.

The Guardian

The consequence has been to create a more parochial sense of identity.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think there's something about the specificity of stories, and of place, that audiences across the world are really responding to," says Stephenson. "So just as we in the UK are responding really well to Scandinavian stories, which we wouldn't have done 10 years ago, even very parochial British stories are engaging American audiences.

The Guardian

Whatever the rest of the world might think about England and Australia's little parochial contest, it is no laughing matter.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately, our blinkered major political parties, business lobbies and media refuse to see the global carbon budget emergency because they are preoccupied with the self-interest of parochial budget figures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Parochial authorities in Lambeth, fearing imminent government intervention, slashed their burial fees – the '1st class ground' reduced from 27s to 16s, the "2nd class" from 16s to 6s – a rather grim clearance sale.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "parochial" to describe perspectives that are overly focused on local or internal matters, especially when a broader view is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "parochial" when you mean "partial". "Parochial" refers to a narrow scope or outlook, while "partial" means biased or incomplete.

Linguistic Context

Parochial primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate a limited or narrow scope, perspective, or focus. Ludwig AI shows its use across diverse contexts, reinforcing its adjectival nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "parochial" is a versatile adjective denoting a limited or narrow perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. It commonly appears in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its relevance in discussing viewpoints that are overly focused on local or internal concerns. While "parochial" is frequently used, it's crucial to differentiate it from similar terms like "partial" to ensure accurate communication. Related alternatives include "provincial" and "insular", providing writers with nuanced options for expressing limitations in scope or viewpoint. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "parochial" to convey critical assessments of narrow-minded perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provincial

Focuses on geographical limitations and lack of broader experience or perspective.

insular

Emphasizes isolation and a lack of exposure to outside influences or ideas.

narrow-minded

Highlights a rigidity in thinking and an unwillingness to consider different viewpoints.

limited

Indicates a restriction in scope, understanding, or capacity.

sectarian

Relates to narrow adherence to a particular sect or group, often with exclusion of others.

small-minded

Emphasizes pettiness and a lack of generosity in thought or behavior.

hidebound

Suggests being rigid and inflexible, often due to adherence to tradition.

myopic

Implies a lack of foresight or a narrow focus on the short term.

localist

Indicates a focus on local concerns and interests, often at the expense of broader considerations.

parish-pump

British term: Concerned with local, minor matters.

FAQs

How can I use "parochial" in a sentence?

You can use "parochial" to describe narrow-minded views or interests, such as: "The discussion became too parochial, focusing only on local issues".

What's a good synonym for "parochial"?

Alternatives include "provincial", "insular", or "narrow-minded", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "parochial" and "provincial"?

"Parochial" often implies a narrowness related to a parish or local community, while "provincial" suggests a lack of sophistication or exposure to broader cultural influences. While similar, /s/parochial is more specific to local community focus.

Is it better to be "parochial" or global?

It depends on the context. A "parochial" approach may be suitable for local community matters, but a global perspective is generally more effective in international affairs or business.