urbanity
|ur-ban-i-ty|
🇺🇸
/ɝˈbænɪti/
🇬🇧
/ɜːˈbænɪti/
city-related refinement
Etymology
'urbanity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'urbanitas', where 'urbanus' meant 'of the city'.
'urbanity' changed from Latin 'urbanitas' into Old/Middle French 'urbanité' and Middle English forms before becoming the modern English word 'urbanity'.
Initially it meant 'relating to the city' or 'qualities of a citizen', but over time it developed the additional sense of 'polished, courteous manner' while retaining the sense of 'city-likeness'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
polished courtesy and refinement of manner; sophisticated, courteous behavior (suavity).
Her urbanity impressed everyone at the dinner.
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Noun 2
the quality or state of being urban; city character or urban life (urbanness, metropolitan character).
The urbanity of the neighborhood has increased over the past decade.
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Last updated: 2026/01/05 15:28