paroissial
/pa.ʁwa.sjal/
The English word "parochial" can be translated into French as paroissial.
The adjective is used to describe something or someone characterized by an unsophisticated focus on local concerns.
Meaning: characterized by an unsophisticated focus on local concerns (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the French noun paroisse, which means "parish".
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this adjective with a feminine noun, use the form paroissiale.
How do you pronounce it?
/pa.ʁwa.sjal/
Did you know?
- Because the word is rooted in the Latin parochia, it shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the English word 'archipelago', via the concept of a group of inhabited islands.
- The term esprit de clocher, which literally means 'bell tower spirit', is the most common French idiomatic expression for the 'parochial' mindset described by paroissial.
- In French, paroissial is frequently used in a strictly neutral or positive administrative sense to describe church activities, whereas the English 'parochial' is more often used as a criticism.
Examples in context
- Les idées de cet homme politique sont souvent étriquées.This politician's ideas are often narrow-minded.
- Sa vision du monde est quelque peu provinciale.His worldview is somewhat parochial.
- C'est un homme assez étriqué d'horizon.He's quite parochial in his views.
- Ils sont vraiment limités d'esprit quand il s'agit de politique.They are really parochial when it comes to politics.
- Son esprit est un peu rabougri, il ne voit que ses intérêts personnels.His mind is a bit parochial, he only sees his own interests.
- On ne peut pas rester dans un esprit paroissial.We cannot remain in a parochial mindset.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are discussing a local political candidate.
- LéaCe candidat ne pense qu'à son village.This candidate only thinks about his village.
- LucasOui, son discours est vraiment trop paroissial.Yes, his speech is really too parochial.
- LéaIl ignore complètement les enjeux nationaux.He completely ignores the national issues.
- LucasC'est dommage pour Lucas et pour nous.It's a shame for Lucas and for us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry paroissial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paroissial, CC BY-SA 4.0.
