adjective
parochial
puh-ROH-kee-ul/pəˈrəʊkiəl/
Relating to a church parish.
The parochial school shares its playground with the parish church.
Etymology
Originally describing what belonged to a parish, parochial came to suggest an outlook confined to that small district. The geographical boundary became a figurative limit on someone's interests or understanding.
In context
our parochial vantage point
More examples
- She searches the parochial records for her grandfather's baptism.
- The priest oversees parochial activities throughout the week.
- Donations cover parochial expenses, including repairs to the church.
Forms
parochial
parish noun — A local church community or district.
Similar words
- ecclesiastical
- Relates to the church broadly, not specifically to a parish.
- congregational
- Relates to a worshiping congregation rather than a parish district.