Definition

1. Proper noun:

   • A Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies: A state in the northeastern United States, known for its historical significance and major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
   • One of the British colonies that formed the United States: Refers to the Province of Pennsylvania, a British colony founded by William Penn in 1681, which later became a U.S. state.

2. Noun:

   • A university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Refers to the University of Pennsylvania, a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (State):

  • We took a road trip through Pennsylvania to see the Amish country.
  • Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania.

• Proper noun (Historical Colony):

  • Pennsylvania was founded as a haven for religious freedom.

• Noun (University):

  • She was accepted to Pennsylvania for her graduate studies.
  • The research team from Pennsylvania published a groundbreaking paper.

Advanced Usage

• "The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania": The official legal designation for the state.
  • The law was passed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Variants and Related Words

• Pennsylvanian (noun): A native or inhabitant of the state of Pennsylvania.

  • He is a proud Pennsylvanian.

• Pennsylvanian (adjective): Relating to the state of Pennsylvania or the geological period.

  • They studied Pennsylvanian coal deposits.

Synonyms

• PA (abbreviation): The official two-letter postal abbreviation for the state.
• Keystone State (nickname): A common nickname for Pennsylvania, referring to its central role in the founding of the United States.
• Penn (informal, for the university): A common shortened form for the University of Pennsylvania.
  • He went to Penn for his undergraduate degree.

Noun

1. a university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2. one of the British colonies that formed the United States
3. a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies