countrypeople: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, literary, somewhat dated.
Quick answer
What does “countrypeople” mean?
People who live in rural areas, as opposed to cities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
People who live in rural areas, as opposed to cities.
People from the countryside, typically associated with traditional ways of life, agriculture, or nature. Can also connote a sense of community and shared rural identity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both dialects but is more likely to be encountered in British English. American English more commonly uses 'country folk' or simply 'people from the country'.
Connotations
In BrE, it may carry slightly stronger connotations of tradition, class, and connection to the land. In AmE, it can sound quaint or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Overall low frequency. Higher relative frequency in BrE historical or descriptive texts.
Grammar
How to Use “countrypeople” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + countrypeoplecountrypeople + [prepositional phrase (from/of)]countrypeople + [verb phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare. Might appear in niche contexts like rural tourism marketing: 'catering to the needs of local countrypeople'.
Academic
Used in sociology, anthropology, or history to describe rural populations, often in a neutral, descriptive way.
Everyday
Uncommon. More formal synonym for 'country folk' or 'people from the countryside'.
Technical
Not a technical term in major fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “countrypeople”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “countrypeople”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “countrypeople”
- Using it as a singular noun ('a countrypeople'). It is exclusively plural.
- Confusing it with 'compatriots'.
- Misspelling as two words: 'country people' (though this is an accepted variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is exclusively a plural noun. You cannot say 'a countrypeople'. The singular, though very rare, would be 'a countryperson'.
'Peasants' is a more specific historical/socioeconomic term for small-scale agricultural labourers, often with connotations of a low class. 'Countrypeople' is broader, referring to anyone living in rural areas, and is generally more neutral, though it can sound old-fashioned.
It is not offensive, but it can sound dated or patronising if used without context. Terms like 'rural communities' or 'people living in rural areas' are often preferred in modern, neutral discourse.
You add an apostrophe after the 's': countrypeople'. For example: 'The countrypeople's way of life was changing.'
People who live in rural areas, as opposed to cities.
Countrypeople is usually formal, literary, somewhat dated. in register.
Countrypeople: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌntriˌpiːpəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌntriˌpipəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms use 'countrypeople' specifically]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'country' + 'people' = the people of the country(side). It's a straightforward compound word.
Conceptual Metaphor
COUNTRYPEOPLE ARE ROOTED (to the land, tradition).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'countrypeople' in a formal, neutral context?