Ruricolist

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ɹuːˈɹɪkəlɪst/

Definitions

1. A person devoted to country living enjoys the charm of rural landscapes and partakes in activities that emphasize nature and the outdoors
2. An individual with a penchant for rural areas revels in the beauty of countryside life and often engages in pursuits that showcase natural landscapes
3. An enthusiast for rural environments appreciates the allure of the countryside and is often involved in activities that highlight its natural beauty and lifestyle

Etymology: "Ruricolist" is a lover of the countryside, built from Latin "rūricola", meaning "country-dweller", which joins "rūs" (country, as opposed to town) with "incola" (inhabitant). English then attached the suffix "-ist", a common device for forming nouns of devotion or practice, so the word means one who is devoted to rural life. The Oxford English Dictionary records it as an English coinage, and it is a learned formation rather than something that passed down through speech. The word is a useful reminder that English has a whole set of Latin-based terms for people defined by where they live, such as "rustic" and "urbanite," yet this one is aimed at a taste rather than a residence. Someone can be a ruricolist while living in a city, since the term describes a fondness for the countryside and not a place of residence.

Synonyms: countryman, farmer