urbanity — the quality of being sophisticated, polite, and refined in manner, especially in city life
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the quality of being sophisticated, polite, and refined in manner, especially in city life
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɜːrˈbænɪti/
Example Sentences
- Despite being a billionaire, his urbanity made even taxi drivers feel comfortable talking to him.
- The ambassador's urbanity helped smooth over the diplomatic crisis caused by the chef's terrible cooking.
- Her urbanity was evident in how she gracefully handled the awkward situation when her date showed up in pajamas.
urbanity
NOUN[/ɜːrˈbænɪti/]
the quality of being sophisticated, polite, and refined in manner, especially in city life
His urbanity charmed everyone at the rooftop cocktail party.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin urbanus, meaning 'of the city.' In ancient Rome, city dwellers were perceived as more refined and cultured than rural inhabitants, establishing the conceptual association between urban life and sophistication that evolved into the modern sense of refined courtesy and elegant wit.
Breakdown
urban- (from Latin urbanus, 'of the city') + -ity (suffix forming nouns of state or quality), literally 'the quality of being urban or citified.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Despite being a billionaire, his urbanity made even taxi drivers feel comfortable talking to him.”
“The ambassador's urbanity helped smooth over the diplomatic crisis caused by the chef's terrible cooking.”
“Her urbanity was evident in how she gracefully handled the awkward situation when her date showed up in pajamas.”
“The professor's urbanity made even the most boring lectures somehow bearable.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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