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Urbanity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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urbanity

[หŒษœหrbษ™หˆnษชti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

Urbanity refers to the qualities that characterize urban life, including sophistication, culture, and cultivated manners. It embodies the social graces and etiquette generally associated with city dwellers as opposed to those from rural settings. The term often implies a certain level of politeness and refinement that is expected in social interactions within urban environments. Urbanity can also suggest the vibrancy and dynamism of city life, signifying a cosmopolitan attitude and the blending of diverse cultural influences.

Synonyms

culturedness, politeness, refinement, sophistication.

Examples of usage

  • His urbanity made him a favorite among city officials.
  • Urbanity is often seen in the sophisticated art scenes of major cities.
  • She navigated the room with the urbanity of someone accustomed to high society.
  • The novel depicted the urbanity of life in New York during the 1920s.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sociology

  • Urbanity often reflects how city dwellers interact, showing traits like openness and cultural diversity.
  • Researchers note that exposure to city environments tends to increase social skills and adaptability.

History

  • The concept of urbanity has evolved from ancient Roman cities, known for their advanced public amenities and social structures.
  • In the 18th and 19th centuries, urbanity was associated with the rise of the bourgeoisie, influencing arts and literature.

Pop Culture

  • Urbanity can be seen in films and literature that portray city life as glamorous, highlighting sophisticated characters.
  • Fashion trends often originate in urban areas, showcasing the stylish aspect of urbanity.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that people in urban environments tend to develop a stronger sense of cosmopolitan identity.
  • Urbanity can correlate with higher levels of creativity, as city life nurtures diverse experiences and interactions.

Origin of 'urbanity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'urbanitas', which translates to 'refinement' or 'politeness'.
  • The root 'urbanus' means 'of a city', indicating a connection to city life and its characteristics.

The word 'urbanity' traces its roots back to the Latin word 'urbanitas,' which means 'refinement' or 'politeness' and comes from 'urbanus,' meaning 'of the city or town.' The usage of 'urbanity' in English dates back to the early 17th century, where it was employed to denote the characteristics or manners associated with city life. Over time, the term has evolved to highlight not only social manners but also the broader cultural dynamics of urban living. Its application has broadened, reflecting changes in society and the rise of urbanization. By the 19th century, urbanity began to be associated more with the cosmopolitan aspects of city life, capturing the essence of diverse cultural influences that define modern urban centers.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,673, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.