metropolitanize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Urban Planning
Quick answer
What does “metropolitanize” mean?
To make something resemble or take on the characteristics of a major city (metropolis).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something resemble or take on the characteristics of a major city (metropolis).
The process of developing an area or institution in line with the sophistication, complexity, infrastructure, culture, or pace associated with large urban centers. It can refer to physical development, cultural adaptation, or administrative restructuring.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, though American English might use it slightly more in urban studies. Spelling: British English may accept '-ise' variant (metropolitanise).
Connotations
Neutral to formal in technical contexts. Can be perceived as jargon.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties, primarily found in academic papers, urban policy documents, or cultural criticism.
Grammar
How to Use “metropolitanize” in a Sentence
[Agent] + metropolitanize + [Patient/Area] (e.g., The government sought to metropolitanize the region.)[Area] + be metropolitanized + [by Agent] (e.g., The town was metropolitanized by rapid investment.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metropolitanize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council's strategy is to metropolitanise the town centre with new flats and pedestrian zones.
- Critics argue the festival has been metropolitanised, losing its local charm.
American English
- The developer's vision is to metropolitanize the exurb with a mixed-use hub.
- The university wants to metropolitanize its campus to attract top-tier faculty.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [Not a standard adjectival form. Use 'metropolitan' or 'metropolitanized'.]
American English
- [Not a standard adjectival form. Use 'metropolitan' or 'metropolitanized'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in high-level strategy for retail or service expansion: 'The brand's plan is to metropolitanize its presence in Southeast Asia.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in sociology, geography, urban studies: 'The paper examines state policies to metropolitanize the provincial capitals.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in urban planning, policy documents, and architectural criticism: 'The new transit corridor aims to metropolitanize the satellite towns.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metropolitanize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metropolitanize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metropolitanize”
- Using it as a common synonym for 'improve'.
- Misspelling as 'metropolitize' or 'metropolize'.
- Using it in everyday contexts where 'urbanize' or 'modernize' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in academic, urban planning, or sociological contexts.
'Urbanize' is a broader term for making an area more like a city (adding buildings, population). 'Metropolitanize' implies a higher level of development, sophistication, and integration akin to a *major* city (metropolis), often involving culture, amenities, and global connectivity.
Yes, it can be used critically to imply the loss of local character, authenticity, or affordability in the pursuit of a generic, cosmopolitan model.
The most direct noun is 'metropolitanization' (or 'metropolitanisation' in British English).
To make something resemble or take on the characteristics of a major city (metropolis).
Metropolitanize is usually formal, academic, urban planning in register.
Metropolitanize: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛtrəpɒlɪt(ə)nʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛtrəpɑːlɪtənaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'metropolis' (big city) + '-ize' (to make into). To 'metropolitanize' is to 'make into a metropolis'.
Conceptual Metaphor
URBANIZATION IS A PROCESS OF REFINEMENT/TRANSFORMATION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'to metropolitanize' MOST appropriately used?