region

Definition of region

region (noun): A specific area or division of the world or a country, often defined by physical, cultural, political, or ecological characteristics.

Example: The arid region has adapted to extreme temperatures, with flora and fauna uniquely suited to such harsh conditions.

Best for: common-difficulty vocabulary; learners who already know "territory" or "province"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Origin of region

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: regio

Original meaning: direction, boundary, district

How it evolved: Initially used to denote boundaries or areas under a ruler's control, it later expanded to encompass any defined geographical or cultural area.

The word 'region' originates from the Latin word 'regio,' meaning 'direction' or 'boundary,' and evolved through Old French usage to signify a defined area.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember region

Think of 'region' as a 'registered area,' where distinct features are recognized and defined.

Synonyms for region

• territory
• province
• domain
• locale
• sector
• expanse
• enclave
• jurisdiction

Antonyms of region

• point
• center
• core
• nucleus

region in a Sentence

1. The arid region has adapted to extreme temperatures, with flora and fauna uniquely suited to such harsh conditions.
2. Economic disparity is often evident when comparing urban centers to rural regions within the same country.
3. The region's rich history and cultural heritage attract tourists from around the globe.

region in Literature & Culture

The word 'region' often appears in literature and political discourse to emphasize the unique characteristics or challenges of specific areas, such as 'the Rust Belt region' in American economic discussions.

Usage Notes

While 'region' often refers to a geographical area, it can also describe abstract divisions, such as regions of interest in science or discussions of economic regions. Avoid confusing it with 'reason,' a common error due to phonetic similarity.

Why region Matters for GRE & SAT

Understanding 'region' is essential for reading comprehension passages on geography, ecology, or cultural studies, where the concept of defined areas is frequently discussed.

Word Family

regional (adjective)

Relating to or characteristic of a particular region.

regionalism (noun)

A linguistic feature or cultural characteristic specific to a region.

regionally (adverb)

In a way that pertains to a specific region.

Did You Know?

• The term 'region' was first used in a geographical sense in medieval Europe to describe areas controlled by feudal lords.
• In anatomy, 'region' is used to describe specific parts of the body, such as the abdominal region.
• The concept of regions is central to fields like meteorology, where climate zones are studied, and political science, where electoral regions are analyzed.

Related Words

• sphere
• Recalcitrant — Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude; stubbornly resistant to authority.
• radical — far-reaching; major
• ramification — A consequence of an action or event, especially a complex one
• rampant — Spreading unchecked; flourishing in an unwelcome way

More Vocabulary Words Starting with R

• Recalcitrant — Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude; stubbornly resistant to authority.
• radical — far-reaching; major
• radical — Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something
• radical — far-reaching; major
• radical — Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something
• ramification — A consequence of an action or event, especially a complex one
• ramification — a consequence or resulting action of a previous event
• ramification — a consequence or resulting action of a previous event
• rampant — Spreading unchecked; flourishing in an unwelcome way
• rampant — Spreading unchecked; flourishing in an unwelcome way