Metropolis

/məˈtrɒpəlɪs/

nounmedium📊CommonBusiness
2 meanings3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A large and important city, often the capital or chief city of a country or region.

/məˈtrɒpəlɪs/

nounneutralmedium
Business

A large city, often the capital or chief city of a region.

London is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history.

💡 Simply: Imagine the busiest, biggest city you can think of. It’s probably a metropolis! It's a place where lots of people live and work, like a giant, exciting hub with tall buildings, busy streets, and all sorts of amazing things happening.

👶 For kids: A big, busy city with lots of people and buildings.

More Examples

2

The metropolis bustled with activity during the festival.

3

He moved to the metropolis in search of better opportunities.

How It's Used

Urban Planning

"The metropolis of Tokyo faces challenges related to population density and infrastructure."

Geography

"Major cultural centers like New York City are considered world metropolises."

2

A large city considered to be a center of a particular activity or industry.

/məˈtrɒpəlɪs/

nounneutralAdvanced
Business

An especially large and busy city; a center of trade, culture, or population.

New York City is a global metropolis known for its diverse culture.

💡 Simply: Think of a place where everything's happening, where business booms and people from all walks of life come to find their fortune. That place could be a metropolis; a thriving heart of its own.

👶 For kids: A big city with lots of things going on like work, fun, and many people.

More Examples

2

The metropolis is a hub for international business.

3

The film depicts a futuristic metropolis controlled by technology.

How It's Used

Literature

"In the novel, the metropolis represented the height of human ambition and its potential for corruption."

Sociology

"Sociologists study the social dynamics of the metropolis, focusing on issues like crime and poverty."

Tip:Picture a thriving, major center – a city packed with activity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Greek mētropolis, meaning 'mother city,' referring to the chief or capital city of a region or country.

The word 'metropolis' has been used for centuries to denote significant urban centers, with the concept often evolving alongside societal development.

Memory tip

Think of a 'mother city' – the biggest and most important one.

Word Origin

LanguageGreek
Original meaning

"mother city"

bustling metropolisglobal metropolismodern metropolisvibrant metropolismajor metropolis

Common misspellings

metroplismetropilismetroplois

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written