prefecture: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Administrative, Historical
Quick answer
What does “prefecture” mean?
In many countries, an administrative division or district governed by a prefect.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In many countries, an administrative division or district governed by a prefect; a major territorial unit.
The office, jurisdiction, building, or residence of a prefect; also used figuratively to denote an area of authoritative control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term primarily in historical or geopolitical contexts. The British press may use it more frequently in the context of France and its former colonies, while American media might reference it more concerning Japan.
Connotations
Carries connotations of bureaucracy, centralised state authority, and historical governance. Neutral in tone but specific.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech for both. Slightly higher in British news due to geographical/cultural proximity to France.
Grammar
How to Use “prefecture” in a Sentence
the prefecture of [Place Name]in the [Place Name] prefectureserved as prefect of the [Name] PrefectureVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prefecture” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The prefectural authorities issued a warning.
- It was a prefectural-level decision.
American English
- The prefectural government announced new taxes.
- A prefectural ordinance was passed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific contexts like "The factory is located in the Shizuoka prefecture."
Academic
Common in history, political science, and East Asian studies texts discussing administrative geography.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation; used primarily when discussing travel or news from countries like Japan or France.
Technical
Used precisely in law, government, and historical documents to denote a specific level of administrative authority.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “prefecture”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “prefecture”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prefecture”
- Using 'prefecture' to describe a small municipality or town. / Mispronouncing the second syllable as 'fecture' instead of the softer 'fecture' (/fektjʊə/ or /fektʃər/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not equivalent. A Japanese prefecture is more similar to a large county or province, with less autonomy than a US state, which has its own constitution and broader legislative powers.
No. It is specific to certain countries' systems (e.g., Japan, France, some African nations). Using it for, say, a German 'Land' or a Canadian 'province' would be incorrect.
A 'department' is the main administrative division (like Maine-et-Loire). The 'prefecture' is the capital city of that department, and also refers to the office of the prefect (the state's representative) located there.
It originates from Latin via French, relates to governmental authority, and is not used for local, familiar places in English-speaking countries, keeping it in formal and specialist registers.
In many countries, an administrative division or district governed by a prefect.
Prefecture: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpriːfektjʊə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpriːfektʃər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A law unto his own prefecture”
- “To clean up the prefecture (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PREFECT (like a school monitor) governing a large area, creating a PREFECTURE.
Conceptual Metaphor
The state as a body (the prefecture as an administrative organ).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these countries is 'prefecture' NOT a standard current administrative term?