country
11 synonyms for country, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A nation with its own government and defined territory.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
nation-state
rural area
res publica
body politic
How to use country
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
out in the country
home country
country music
Etymology
From Old French contree, ultimately from Latin contrā ("against, facing") — originally meaning "the land lying opposite" or surrounding a place.
Full origin of country →Frequently asked questions
What does “country” mean?
The word “country” means a nation with its own government and defined territory. In plain terms, a nation, or more casually, the rural areas outside cities.
How do you pronounce “country”?
“Country” is pronounced KUHNT-ree (/ˈkʌntɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “country” in a sentence?
Here is “country” used in a sentence: “They moved out to the country for some peace and quiet.”
What part of speech is “country”?
Depending on how it is used, “country” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “country” come from?
The word “country” comes from Latin. From Old French contree, ultimately from Latin contrā ("against, facing") — originally meaning "the land lying opposite" or surrounding a place.
Is “country” a common word?
“Country” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “country” have?
“Country” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a nation with its own government and defined territory.
What is the difference between a country and a nation?
A country is mainly a geographic and political unit — a defined territory with its own government and borders. A nation refers more to the people: a group sharing culture, language, history, or identity. They often overlap, but a nation can exist without a country of its own.
What is the difference between a country and a state?
A country is a sovereign nation with its own government and territory. 'State' has two senses: it can mean the same as a sovereign country, or a smaller region within one, like a US or Australian state. Context tells you which meaning applies.
How many countries are there in the world?
Most sources count 195 countries: the 193 member states of the United Nations, plus two observer states — the Holy See (Vatican City) and Palestine. The exact figure can vary depending on which disputed or partially recognized territories you choose to include in the total.
