Suburban

Definition

Suburban refers to an area or region lying at the outskirts of a city, usually residential in nature, or qualities associated with such areas.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun (less common)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈbɜrbən/
• Respelling: suh-BUR-buhn (with "suh" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "supply," "BUR" as in "burden," and "buhn" as in "button")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈbɜːbən/
• Respelling: suh-BUR-buhn (similar to American English, with "suh" as in "supply," "BUR" as in "burden," and "buhn" like in "button")

In both dialects, "suburban" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "BUR." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, with minor variations in vowel length and quality due to accent differences.

Etymology

The term "suburban" is derived from the Latin word suburbanus, where sub- means under or near and urbs means city. This word evolved in English to describe areas or qualities associated with regions on the outskirts of a city.

Derivatives

• Suburbanite
• Suburbanization
• Suburbanize
• Suburbia
• Suburbanesque

Synonyms

• Outlying
• Peripheral
• Fringe

Antonyms

• Urban
• Central
• Metropolitan

Usage

"Suburban" is widely used to describe areas, lifestyles, or characteristics typical to the regions surrounding urban centers. It’s also used in urban planning, sociology, and discussions related to infrastructure, housing, and community development.

Related Terms

• Urban
• Rural
• Exurban

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Area Related: Pertaining to, inhabiting, or being in a suburb or the suburbs of a city or town.
• Example: Many families prefer the suburban lifestyle for its relative peace and spacious living conditions.

• Characteristic Related: Characteristic of a suburb or suburbs.‍
• Example: The suburban architecture often includes large yards and detached homes.

Noun

• Suburban Area:An area on the outskirts of a city, especially a residential one.‍
• Example: The property values in the suburban have been increasing due to the influx of new residents.

• Resident: A person who lives in the suburbs.‍
• Example: As a suburban, she enjoys the tranquility of her neighborhood while working in the city.