Pronunciation: [ɹˈʊ͡əɹə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "rural" is often misspelled due to its unique phonetic structure. The correct IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈrʊrəl/, which can be difficult to remember for those unfamiliar with phonetics. The "ru" sound is pronounced as "er" with a short "u" following it. The "r" sound is pronounced strongly, and the final "l" is silent. Remembering these key components can ensure the proper spelling and pronunciation of the word "rural."
Rural is an adjective that describes an area or region characterized by the countryside, farmland, or open spaces, often with a low population density compared to urban areas. It is the opposite of urban, which refers to densely populated cities or towns. Rural areas typically have a strong association with agriculture and natural resources, and are characterized by a simpler way of life and a closer connection to nature.
In rural areas, the landscape is often dominated by vast stretches of farmland, meadows, forests, and rivers. The population in rural areas is usually smaller and spread out across various settlements, including small towns, villages, and hamlets. These communities in rural areas tend to be closely knit, with individuals often having stronger connections and interactions with their neighbors and local institutions.
Economic activities in rural areas are often centered around agriculture, farming, livestock rearing, forestry, and fishing. However, with advancements in technology and changing demographics, rural areas have also witnessed some industrial and commercial developments. Despite this, rural life is often associated with a slower pace, a sense of community, traditional values, and an appreciation for nature.
The term "rural" is subjective and its definition may vary across different countries and regions, as it depends on factors such as population density, economic activities, and cultural norms. However, common features of rural areas include open spaces, agricultural landscapes, low population density, and a closer connection to nature and traditional ways of life.
Pert. to the country, as distinguished from the city or town; pert. to farming.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "rural" comes from the Latin word "ruralis", which is derived from the noun "rus" meaning "countryside" or "land". In Latin, "ruralis" referred to things related to the countryside or rural areas. The term was later adopted into Old French as "rurale" and then into Middle English as "rural", with its current meaning referring to areas outside of towns and cities.
