What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
metropolitan
Example
New York City is a metropolitan area with a diverse population. [metropolitan: adjective]
Example
The metropolitan region includes several smaller cities and towns. [metropolitan: noun]
urban
Example
The urban landscape is dominated by skyscrapers and high-rise buildings. [urban: adjective]
Example
Many young professionals prefer an urban lifestyle with easy access to entertainment and dining options. [urban: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Urban is more commonly used than metropolitan in everyday language and informal conversations. Urban is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while metropolitan is less common and is typically used in official documents, news reports, and academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between metropolitan and urban?
Metropolitan is typically associated with a formal and official tone, while urban is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
