The word "metropolitan" is spelled /mɛt.rə.ˈpɒl.ɪ.tən/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the short e sound, followed by the r sound. The second syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound, then the p sound, the long o sound, and finally the l sound. The third syllable is pronounced with the short i sound, followed by the t sound, and then the ən sound. The spelling of this word accurately reflects its pronunciation, making it easier for English language learners to understand and use correctly.
Metropolitan, as an adjective, refers to something relating to or characteristic of a large, bustling city or a region that includes the city and its surrounding suburbs and towns. It describes the urban or cosmopolitan nature of an area, typically denoting cultural, social, economic, and professional sophistication. Metropolitan areas generally exhibit infrastructure and services that cater to diverse populations, offering a wide range of recreational, educational, artistic, and entertainment opportunities. They serve as centers of commerce, politics, finance, and culture, attracting professionals from various fields while supporting a high standard of living.
As a noun, metropolitan refers to a bishop who oversees an ecclesiastical province or a large diocese, often as the senior bishop of an archdiocese. In certain religious contexts, the term may also be used to describe an administrative district in a hierarchical religious structure.
Overall, metropolitan embodies the idea of urban vitality, complexity, and diversity. It signifies the multifaceted nature of cities, encompassing diverse populations, lifestyles, and institutions. The term highlights the idea of a central hub that acts as a gateway for various opportunities and experiences, attracting individuals seeking to access the benefits, amenities, and advancements typically associated with urban living.
• The bishop of the mother church-that is, the church from which others have branched off; an archbishop.
• Having the rank of a metropolis or pert. to it; pert. to the mother church.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "metropolitan" comes from the Latin word "metropolitanus", which means "of or belonging to the mother city". It is derived from the Greek word "metrópolis", which has a similar meaning of "mother city" or "capital city". In Greek, the term "metropolis" is a combination of "meta" (meaning "beyond" or "after") and "polis" (meaning "city"). It originally referred to the capital city of a province or region. Over time, the term "metropolitan" expanded its meaning to refer to not only the capital city but also to a larger urban area, often associated with central administrative, economic, cultural, and social functions.