district
DIS-trikt
/ˈdɪstrɪkt/
An area of a country or city, especially one characterized by a particular feature or activity.
Can be an official administrative division or an informal cultural area.
The story behind the word. In Medieval Latin, a 'districtus' was the territory over which a lord had the power to 'distrain' (seize property to compel payment). It was the area where his specific legal authority applied.
Word relationships
- sector: Often used in more technical or military contexts.
- quarter: Often used for historic or culturally distinct areas (e.g., the French Quarter).
Commonly confused with
- neighborhood: A neighborhood is usually smaller and more social; a district is often larger and more functional/administrative.
Collocations
- business district
- historic district
- residential district
Example sentences
- "The financial district is quiet on the weekends when the bankers are away." Referring to a famous commercial area.
- "Each school district has its own board of elected officials." Administrative use.
Memory hook
A 'District' is a 'Distinct' area. A zone with a purpose.
When not to use
Avoid using it for a single street; a district usually encompasses several blocks or a whole neighborhood.
Fun facts
- The 'District of Columbia' (Washington D.C.) is a federal district, meaning it is not part of any U.S. state.
Related words
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