paris: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Formal, informal, literary, journalistic. Ubiquitous in global contexts.
Quick answer
What does “paris” mean?
The capital city of France, a major global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The capital city of France, a major global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture.
Often used as a metonym for the French government, as a symbol of romance, sophistication, or urban beauty, or to refer to entities or agreements associated with the city (e.g., Paris Climate Agreement).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs.
Connotations
Similar strong cultural connotations of romance, history, and style in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “paris” in a Sentence
[PREP] in ~[PREP] to ~[PREP] from ~~ [VERB] that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paris” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She has a very Parisian style.
- The agreement was a Paris accord.
American English
- He loved that Parisian cafe vibe.
- It was a Paris-based initiative.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The merger was finalized after talks in Paris.'
Academic
'The philosophical movements of mid-20th century Paris were examined.'
Everyday
'We're saving up for a trip to Paris next spring.'
Technical
'The Paris meridian was a former prime meridian.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “paris”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “paris”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paris”
- Incorrect: 'I live in paris.' (Correct: 'I live in Paris.')
- Confusing 'Parisian' (adj/noun) with 'Paris' (place name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Always 'Paris' with a capital 'P', as it is a proper noun (the name of a specific city).
It is the adjective relating to Paris (e.g., Parisian architecture) and the noun for a person from Paris (e.g., She is a Parisian).
Primarily because it was one of the first major cities to adopt widespread street lighting in the 19th century, and also as a reference to its role as a center of education and ideas during the Age of Enlightenment.
No, 'Paris' is not standardly used as a verb in contemporary English.
The capital city of France, a major global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture.
Paris is usually formal, informal, literary, journalistic. ubiquitous in global contexts. in register.
Paris: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpær.ɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈper.ɪs/ or /ˈpær.ɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Paris of the East/West (used for other cities)”
- “Not exactly Paris (criticizing a place's lack of sophistication)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the PARIS sign: Pleasure, Art, Romance, Inspiration, Style.
Conceptual Metaphor
PARIS IS A STAGE (for culture/fashion/love), PARIS IS A HEART (central, vital, emotional).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses 'Paris' metonymically?