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Suburban Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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suburban

[səˈbɜːbən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

living area

relating to or characteristic of a suburb

Synonyms

commuter, outlying, residential.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suburban

Refers to areas on the outskirts of a city where people live, typically characterized by residential neighborhoods. Commonly used when talking about areas that are less crowded and more spacious than the city center.

  • They moved to a suburban area to have more space for their children.
  • The suburban life offers a quieter and less hectic lifestyle.
residential

Pertains to areas or places where people live. This term focuses more on housing and living spaces, rather than commercial or industrial use.

  • The new residential complex offers modern amenities and a park.
  • This is a residential neighborhood, so there are many houses but few shops.
commuter

Describes a person who travels a distance from their home, usually located in the suburbs or outskirts, to their place of work in the city. Often used when discussing daily travel to and from work.

  • As a commuter, she spends two hours each day traveling to and from the office.
  • The city has developed a new rail line to accommodate the rising number of commuters.
outlying

Used to describe areas that are distant from the center of a city or town. These areas are generally on the periphery and can be residential, but often suggest being more remote or less developed.

  • They built a new shopping mall in the outlying regions of the city.
  • Many of the outlying villages still retain their rural charm.

Examples of usage

  • suburban streets
  • suburban lifestyle
Context #2 | Noun

person

a person who lives in a suburb

Synonyms

suburb dweller, suburbanite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suburban

Used to describe areas, features, or lifestyles associated with the outskirts of a city.

  • They live in a suburban neighborhood, which is quieter and less crowded than the city.
  • Suburban schools often have larger playgrounds than city schools.
suburb dweller

More formal and descriptive term for a person who lives in a suburb, often used in demographic or sociological contexts.

  • The new study shows that suburb dwellers are increasingly concerned about environmental issues.
  • As a suburb dweller, she enjoys the space and tranquility her neighborhood offers.
suburbanite

Casual term for someone who lives in a suburb, often used in informal discussions. It can occasionally carry a slightly negative connotation implying conformity or blandness.

  • The suburbanites commute to the city every day for work.
  • Even though he's a suburbanite, he loves the vibrant nightlife of the city.

Examples of usage

  • The suburbans were concerned about the new development plans.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

  • The suburban lifestyle has been idealized in films and television as the American Dream, showcasing family life and community values.
  • Suburban areas often had iconic architectural styles, such as ranch houses and split-level homes, shaping the landscape of many nations.
  • The culture of suburbs often includes a reliance on cars, with many neighborhoods designed around driving rather than walking.

Historical Context

  • Post-World War II, suburban growth surged as returning soldiers sought affordable housing and family life in quieter areas.
  • The construction of highways in the mid-20th century fueled suburban expansion, making it easier to commute to cities for work.
  • Census data from the 1960s indicated a rapid shift towards suburban living in many countries, highlighting changing patterns of migration.

Social Dynamics

  • Suburbs often reflect a mix of socio-economic statuses, with diverse neighborhoods showcasing different cultural backgrounds.
  • Issues of segregation have been pronounced in many suburban areas, historically reflecting disparities in wealth and opportunities.
  • Community events and local governance play a crucial role in suburban life, often focusing on schools, parks, and safety.

Environmental Considerations

  • Suburban sprawl can lead to environmental concerns, such as loss of green spaces and increased car dependency causing pollution.
  • Many suburban areas are now focusing on sustainability, promoting walking and biking paths to connect neighborhoods to city centers.
  • Urban gardening and community farms are emerging in suburbs, enhancing local ecosystems and promoting food sustainability.

Origin of 'suburban'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'suburbanus', where 'sub' means 'under' or 'near' and 'urbs' means 'city'.
  • It started being used in English in the early 19th century, as more people moved to areas on the edges of cities.
  • The term reflects the growth of the middle class, seeking quiet residential spaces outside bustling urban centers.

The word 'suburban' originated in the early 17th century from the Latin word 'suburbanus', which means 'belonging to a suburb'. Suburbs began to develop as residential areas on the outskirts of cities, and the term 'suburban' came to describe anything related to or characteristic of these areas. Over time, suburban living became associated with a quieter, more family-friendly lifestyle compared to the hustle and bustle of city centers.

See also: urbanization.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,760 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.