Metropolitan: meaning, definitions and examples

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metropolitan

 

[ ˌmetrəˈpɒlɪtən ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

city life

relating to or characteristic of a metropolis

Synonyms

city, cosmopolitan, urban.

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Word Description / Examples
metropolitan

Used to describe large, significant cities that are often central to culture, politics, and economy. These areas are usually densely populated and have a range of services and amenities.

  • New York is a prime example of a metropolitan area
  • The metropolitan news covered various events happening downtown
urban

Refers to characteristics typical of cities or towns, especially those that distinguish them from rural areas. Often describes infrastructure, lifestyle, and population density.

  • Urban areas are known for their busy lifestyle
  • The urban development project aims to build new apartments and parks
city

A generic term for a large and relatively permanent settlement. It is larger than a town and has a significant population and infrastructure.

  • I moved to the city for a better job opportunity
  • The city council will discuss the new policy tomorrow
cosmopolitan

Used to describe places or people that have diverse international influence, including culture, cuisine, and lifestyle. Can also apply to individuals who are worldly and cultured.

  • Paris is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere
  • She has a cosmopolitan outlook after traveling the world

Examples of usage

  • She enjoyed the metropolitan lifestyle in New York City.
  • The metropolitan area is known for its cultural diversity.
Context #2 | Noun

organization

a professional organization or society in a major city

Synonyms

association, club, society.

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Word Description / Examples
metropolitan

Used to describe something related to a large city, often a capital city or a major urban area. It is often used in contexts involving urban culture, transportation, lifestyle, or planning.

  • The metropolitan area of New York City is known for its diverse culture and bustling streets.
  • The metropolitan transit authority announced new schedule changes to improve commuter services.
society

Refers to an organized group that is often larger and more formal than a club or association, focusing on educational, cultural, social, or charitable activities. It can also mean the general population in a cultural or sociological sense.

  • The Historical Society held a series of lectures on ancient civilizations.
  • In a democratic society, individuals have the right to voice their opinions.
club

Typically refers to a social or recreational group where members share a common interest or activity. This term is used in both casual and formal contexts, spanning from sports to hobbies.

  • He is a member of the chess club at his school.
  • They often meet at the hiking club to plan their weekend trips.
association

Applied when talking about a group of people organized for a common purpose, such as professional, social, or business interests. Often used in formal or semi-formal contexts.

  • The National Education Association held a conference to discuss new teaching methods.
  • She joined a local business association to network with other entrepreneurs.

Examples of usage

  • He joined the local metropolitan club for networking.
  • The metropolitan opera is renowned for its performances.
Context #3 | Noun

transportation

a subway system in a large city

Synonyms

metro, subway, underground.

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Word Description / Examples
metropolitan

Used to describe something related to a large city or its surrounding areas, especially in terms of population and culture.

  • New York is a major metropolitan area with a diverse cultural scene.
  • She enjoys living in the metropolitan region because of the job opportunities.
subway

Used in American English to describe an underground urban rail system for public transportation.

  • She was running late, so she decided to take the subway instead of the bus.
  • The New York City Subway is one of the oldest and largest in the world.
metro

Commonly refers to an urban passenger transportation system, specifically the subway system in some cities. It is often short for 'metropolitan.'

  • He takes the metro to work every day to avoid traffic.
  • The Paris Metro is known for its extensive network.
underground

Used in British English to refer to the subway system. It can also denote something that is below the surface of the ground.

  • He commutes by the London Underground every day.
  • The underground parking lot was full, so they had to park outside.

Examples of usage

  • The metropolitan was crowded during rush hour.
  • She took the metropolitan to avoid traffic.

Translations

Translations of the word "metropolitan" in other languages:

🇵🇹 metropolitano

🇮🇳 महानगरीय

🇩🇪 metropolitan

🇮🇩 metropolitan

🇺🇦 метрополітен

🇵🇱 metropolitalny

🇯🇵 大都市の (だいとしの)

🇫🇷 métropolitain

🇪🇸 metropolitano

🇹🇷 metropol

🇰🇷 대도시의 (daedosiui)

🇸🇦 حضري

🇨🇿 metropolitní

🇸🇰 metropolitný

🇨🇳 大都市的 (dà dūshì de)

🇸🇮 metropolitanski

🇮🇸 höfuðborgarsvæði

🇰🇿 метрополия

🇬🇪 მეტროპოლიური (metropoliuri)

🇦🇿 metropoliten

🇲🇽 metropolitano

Etymology

The word 'metropolitan' originated in the late 16th century and comes from the Greek word 'metropolis', which means 'mother city'. It was first used to describe the chief city of a region or country. Over time, its usage expanded to refer to anything related to a large city or metropolis, such as organizations, lifestyle, or transportation systems.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,177 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.