backwater — a remote or isolated area that is undeveloped or considered backward
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a remote or isolated area that is undeveloped or considered backward
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbækˌwɔːtər/
Example Sentences
- The small town was considered a backwater until the tech company built their headquarters there.
- My grandmother thinks the capital is too noisy and prefers her peaceful backwater.
- The university professor was shocked to discover that his new hometown was an intellectual backwater where nobody had heard of Shakespeare.
backwater
NOUN[/ˈbækˌwɔːtər/]
a remote or isolated area that is undeveloped or considered backward
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English and Old English 'back' combined with 'water'. The term originally referred to a body of water that flows backward or pools behind a dam or obstruction, later extending metaphorically to mean isolated or stagnant areas.
Breakdown
back (rear, behind) + water (body of water) = backwater (isolated water body or remote area)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The small town was considered a backwater until the tech company built their headquarters there.”
“My grandmother thinks the capital is too noisy and prefers her peaceful backwater.”
“The university professor was shocked to discover that his new hometown was an intellectual backwater where nobody had heard of Shakespeare.”
“What they called a 'cultural backwater' actually had the most authentic local traditions.”
📚Related Words
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