manhattan
B2Neutral to formal when referring to the place; informal when referring to the drink.
Definition
Meaning
An island in New York City, forming a borough of the city and a major commercial, cultural, and financial center.
A cocktail made with whiskey (traditionally rye), sweet vermouth, and bitters. Also refers to things originating from or characteristic of the Manhattan borough (e.g., Manhattan clam chowder, Manhattan project).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Capitalised as it is a proper noun. When referring to the island/borough, it is a place name. The drink sense is a common noun, but often still capitalised due to its origin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The place is equally well-known in both varieties. The drink is internationally known but may be slightly more common in American English contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with New York City, finance, skyscrapers, and urban density. The cocktail connotes sophistication.
Frequency
Higher frequency in AmE due to domestic geographical reference. In BrE, it is a well-known foreign place name and cocktail.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
in + Manhattan (He lives in Manhattan)from + Manhattan (She's from Manhattan)Manhattan + is + ADJ (Manhattan is expensive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Manhattan minute (very fast)”
- “To do a Manhattan (rare, meaning to disappear or become lost in the city)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The headquarters are located in Manhattan.
Academic
The study focused on population density in Manhattan over the last century.
Everyday
Let's meet for a drink in Manhattan.
Technical
The Manhattan distance is a metric in geometry and computer science.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- She has a very Manhattan sense of style.
- The design was sleek and Manhattan.
American English
- That's a real Manhattan attitude.
- They live a Manhattan lifestyle.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Manhattan is in New York.
- I want to visit Manhattan.
- We stayed in a hotel in Manhattan for three nights.
- Would you like a Manhattan or a martini?
- Navigating the grid system of Manhattan is relatively straightforward.
- The classic Manhattan cocktail is made with rye whiskey.
- The architectural density of Manhattan presents unique urban planning challenges.
- His prose captured the frenetic pace and isolating anonymity of Manhattan life.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MAN + HAT + TAN: Imagine a man wearing a hat getting a tan on a rooftop in Manhattan.
Conceptual Metaphor
MANHATTAN IS A CONCRETE JUNGLE, MANHATTAN IS A MELTING POT, MANHATTAN IS A FINANCIAL NERVE CENTER.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'Манхэттен' in non-proper noun contexts (e.g., the cocktail). The drink is also 'Манхэттен'.
- Do not use 'Манхэттен' as a general term for a city center; it refers specifically to the New York borough.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'Manhatten'.
- Using lowercase for the place name.
- Confusing 'Manhattan' with 'New York City' (Manhattan is just one part).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a correct use of 'Manhattan'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Manhattan is one of five boroughs that make up New York City (the others are Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island).
It is believed to have been invented at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the mid-1870s.
Yes, when referring to the place. The drink name is also typically capitalised, though you may occasionally see it in lowercase.
It is a type of clam chowder that includes tomatoes, unlike the more famous New England style, which is cream-based.