The word "suburbs" is spelled with two syllables, "sub" and "urbs". The first syllable is pronounced with the "s" sound as in "sister", while the second syllable is pronounced with the "er" sound as in "herd". The phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈsʌb.ɜːrz/ indicating the stress on the first syllable, and the long vowel sound in the second syllable. The spelling of this word may appear confusing due to the combination of two consonants in the middle, but it is commonly used to refer to the residential areas outside of a city.
The suburbs refer to residential areas that are typically situated on the outskirts of cities or towns. They are characterized by their proximity to urban centers, while also being distinctively separate in terms of demographics, amenities, and overall atmosphere. Suburbs are known for their quieter, residential living environments and are often sought after for their lower crime rates and family-friendly communities.
These areas are primarily inhabited by individuals or families who work in the nearby urban center but choose to reside in a more tranquil and spacious setting. Suburbs are typically characterized by low population density, larger properties, and a greater prevalence of single-family homes. Other common features of suburbs include well-maintained parks, recreational facilities, schools, and shopping centers to cater to the needs and convenience of residents.
The growth of suburbs has been influenced by factors such as increased access to transportation, desire for more space and privacy, and the changing nature of work. Many residents value the suburban lifestyle due to its combination of proximity to urban amenities and the tranquility of suburban living. At the same time, the concept of suburbs has evolved over time, giving rise to various subcategories such as exurbs (areas beyond the suburbs) and eco-suburbs (focused on sustainability and environmental consciousness).
In summary, suburbs are residential areas located on the outskirts of cities, offering a quieter and more spacious living environment compared to urban centers, while still providing access to essential amenities.
The parts of a city without the walls; the outskirts or outlying parts of a city or town; the confines.
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 "suburbs" originated from Latin and has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Latin word "suburbium", which is a combination of two elements: "sub", meaning "under" or "near", and "urbium", the genitive plural form of "urbs", meaning "city".
In ancient Rome, the "suburbium" referred to the area surrounding a city, typically located just outside the city walls. These areas were inhabited by people who were either unable or disallowed from residing within the city limits. Over time, "suburbium" evolved into the Old French word "suburbe", and then into Middle English as "suburbs".
The term "suburb" was initially used to describe the outskirts of a city but has evolved to refer to residential areas outside the central urban core.