anuradhapura: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “anuradhapura” mean?
A city in Sri Lanka, famed as an ancient royal capital and a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A city in Sri Lanka, famed as an ancient royal capital and a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
A historical and archaeological site in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, notable for its well-preserved ruins, sacred Bo tree, and immense stupas, representing a central point of Sinhalese civilization and Theravada Buddhism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in spelling or meaning. Pronunciation may show minor variation.
Connotations
Associated primarily with archaeology, history, and religious tourism in both varieties.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both regions, appearing primarily in historical, travel, or religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “anuradhapura” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun][Subject of 'be' + locative complement][Object of 'visit/explore']Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anuradhapura” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Anuradhapura period artefacts
- The Anuradhapura-style architecture
American English
- Anuradhapura-era sculptures
- Anuradhapura-influenced design
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism/investment contexts: 'Developing the Anuradhapura tourism circuit.'
Academic
Common in history, archaeology, religious studies: 'The hydraulic civilization of Anuradhapura.'
Everyday
Low frequency, mainly in travel discussions: 'We're planning a trip to Anuradhapura.'
Technical
Used in archaeology reports, heritage conservation: 'Satellite mapping of Anuradhapura's monastic complexes.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anuradhapura”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anuradhapura”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anuradhapura”
- Misspelling: 'Anuradapura', 'Anaradhapura'.
- Incorrect article use: *'the Anuradhapura' (unless part of a longer title, e.g., 'the Anuradhapura Kingdom').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is both a modern town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the surrounding ancient ruins.
The Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
In British English: /əˌnʊərədəˈpʊərə/. In American English: /əˌnʊrədəˈpʊrə/. The stress is on the 'pu' syllable.
Primarily in historical texts, archaeological reports, travel guides to Sri Lanka, and studies of Buddhism or South Asian history.
A city in Sri Lanka, famed as an ancient royal capital and a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Anuradhapura is usually formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Anuradhapura of the North (figurative, rare, for another ancient capital)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A New Raid (on a) Poorer area? No — A Nu-Ra-Dha-Pu-Ra is a rich ancient capital!
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORY IS A LAYERED CITY (e.g., 'digging into Anuradhapura's past').
Practice
Quiz
Anuradhapura is primarily significant as: