metrópoli
Lemma Details
Translation: metropolis; capital city; mother city
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'metropolis', which comes from Ancient Greek 'μητρόπολις' (mētropolis), a compound of 'μήτηρ' (mētēr, 'mother') and 'πόλις' (polis, 'city'). Originally referred to the mother city of a colony, especially in Ancient Greece. The English cognate 'metropolis' shares the same Greek roots. The concept evolved to mean a principal or capital city, and later a large, important urban center.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'metro' (subway) + 'poli' (city) = a city big enough to have a subway system
- Remember 'mother-police' - the mother city that polices or governs the surrounding areas
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'metrópoli' often refers to the capital city or the most important urban center of a country or region. Historically, it was also used to refer to Spain as the 'mother country' in relation to its colonies in Latin America.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Metrópoli' is the noun referring to the city itself, while 'metropolitano' is the adjective describing something related to a metropolis.
Confused word:
El área metropolitana de Barcelona es extensa.
The metropolitan area of Barcelona is extensive.
Notes: 'Metropolitano' can also refer to a subway system in some Spanish-speaking countries.
Mnemonic: 'Metrópoli' ends in 'i' like 'city', while 'metropolitano' ends in 'ano' like many Spanish adjectives.
Explanation: 'Metrópolis' is an alternative form of 'metrópoli', both meaning the same thing. 'Metrópoli' is more common in Spain, while 'metrópolis' is sometimes used in Latin America.
Notes: Both forms are correct and understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Mnemonic: 'Metrópoli' is closer to the original Greek form, while 'metrópolis' sounds more like the English word.