Parochial — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /pə-ˈrō-kē-əl/ pa·ro·chi·al

Meaning & Definition of Parochial

Parochial (adjective)

  1. of or relating to a church parish
  2. of or relating to a parish as a unit of local government
  3. confined or restricted as if within the borders of a parish, limited in range or scope (as to a narrow area or region), provincial, narrow

Parochial (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not broad or open in views or opinions

    "the parochial pastimes of the people in that rural farm town"

    similar: illiberal, insular, Lilliputian, little, narrow, narrow-minded, petty, picayune, provincial, sectarian, small, small-minded
    related: inflexible, ironbound, obdurate, obstinate, rigid, set, stubborn, unyielding, wrongheaded, bigoted, intolerant, biased, discriminating, discriminatory, jaundiced, one-sided, partial, partisan, prejudiced, brassbound, hidebound, old-fashioned, reactionary, stodgy, straitlaced, stuffy, dogmatic, opinionated, opinionative, limited, hick, unsophisticated
    opposite: broad-minded, catholic, cosmopolitan, liberal, open, open-minded, receptive, tolerant
    near: impartial, nonpartisan, objective, unbiased, unprejudiced, freethinking

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Parochial

The most common words with a similar meaning to Parochial:

illiberal, insular, Lilliputian, little, narrow, narrow-minded, petty, picayune, provincial, sectarian, small, small-minded

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Parochial

Words with the opposite meaning of Parochial:

broad-minded, catholic, cosmopolitan, liberal, open, open-minded, receptive, tolerant

Related Words for Parochial

inflexible, ironbound, obdurate, obstinate, rigid, set, stubborn, unyielding, wrongheaded, bigoted, intolerant, biased, discriminating, discriminatory, jaundiced, one-sided, partial, partisan, prejudiced, brassbound, hidebound, old-fashioned, reactionary, stodgy, straitlaced, stuffy, dogmatic, opinionated, opinionative, limited

Near Antonyms of Parochial

impartial, nonpartisan, objective, unbiased, unprejudiced, freethinking

Word Forms of Parochial

Derived words: parochially (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Parochial

Middle English parochiall, from Anglo-French parochial, from Late Latin parochialis, from parochia parish parish

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Parochial

parochial school

Frequently Asked Questions about Parochial

What does "Parochial" mean?

"Parochial" means of or relating to a church parish. As an adjective, it is defined as: of or relating to a church parish.

What is another word for "Parochial"?

Other words for "Parochial" include illiberal, insular, Lilliputian, little, narrow, narrow-minded, petty and picayune. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Parochial" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Parochial"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Parochial". Common alternatives include illiberal, insular, Lilliputian, little, narrow, narrow-minded, petty, picayune, provincial and sectarian.

What is the opposite of "Parochial"?

Antonyms of "Parochial" include broad-minded, catholic, cosmopolitan, liberal, open, open-minded, receptive and tolerant. Near antonyms include impartial, nonpartisan, objective and unbiased.

How do you use "Parochial" in a sentence?

Examples of "Parochial" in a sentence: "the parochial pastimes of the people in that rural farm town".

Is "Parochial" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Parochial" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Parochial"?

"Parochial" is pronounced /pə-ˈrō-kē-əl/ and divided into syllables as pa·ro·chi·al.

What is the origin of the word "Parochial"?

"Parochial" comes from Middle English parochiall, from Anglo-French parochial, from Late Latin parochialis, from parochia parish parish. First known use: 14th century.