County Meaning
County Definition & Usage
A territorial division within a country, often governed by a local council, that typically serves as an administrative unit.
Examples
- "The county government is responsible for local schools and roads."
- "We live in a rural county, known for its scenic views and agricultural lands."
- "The sheriff’s office is a key part of law enforcement in our county."
- "The county fair attracts thousands of visitors every year."
- "Each county has its own regulations regarding property taxes."
A historical division of land and jurisdiction, once governed by a noble or count, often used to denote rural areas in medieval times.
Examples
- "In medieval Europe, counties were ruled by counts or earls."
- "The county system has its roots in the feudal structure of the Middle Ages."
- "Historically, the county was a place where local feasts and gatherings were held."
- "The county was once the seat of nobility in this region, a powerful institution."
- "Many old county boundaries were established during the Norman conquest."
An informal term used to refer to a rural area or town, often implying a simpler, slower pace of life.
Examples
- "They decided to move out of the city and buy a house in the county."
- "Life in the county is much quieter compared to the hustle of urban life."
- "The county is a popular place for people to retire, thanks to its peaceful environment."
- "He enjoys the slower pace of the county compared to city living."
- "The county has a very close-knit community feel."
Cultural Context
The term 'county' has deep roots in the political and administrative divisions of many countries. Historically, counties were regions governed by a count (a noble title) in Europe, especially during the feudal period. Today, counties remain an important division in the governance of many countries, such as the United States, the UK, and parts of Canada and Australia.
A Day in the County
Story
A Day in the County
It was the kind of day when the air felt still, the sun was low, and the world seemed to slow down. Ellie had been living in the city for most of her life, but this weekend, she found herself in the county—her grandmother’s house, to be specific. Nestled in the heart of the county, it was a modest, red-brick farmhouse surrounded by fields that stretched out for miles. She hadn’t realized how much she missed this rural life—the peace, the quiet, the simplicity of it all. Her grandmother, always full of stories, was sitting on the porch, a cup of tea in her hand. 'Do you remember when this county was nothing but farmland?' she asked, pointing toward the horizon where the county’s boundaries were just visible under the fading light. Ellie smiled, nodding. 'It still feels like that, doesn’t it? The county’s never changed. It's like time stands still here.' Later, they went to the local county fair, where Ellie was reminded of how much the community depended on one another. The county fair was more than just rides and games; it was a chance for families to reconnect, for neighbors to meet, and for the younger generation to learn from the older one. The fairgrounds were bustling with activity—tents full of homemade pies, booths selling handmade crafts, and children laughing as they played games. 'This is what makes the county so special,' Ellie thought as she watched an old farmer judge a pie-eating contest. The sense of belonging was palpable here, a feeling she realized she hadn’t experienced in the city for years. As the day came to a close, Ellie took a moment to breathe in the crisp country air. Her grandmother’s words echoed in her mind, 'There’s something about the county—its heart and soul are in the land, the people, and everything that keeps it alive.' She knew that no matter where she lived, this county would always feel like home.
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