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urbanely

B2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˈɜːbeɪnlɪ/

US

  • /ˈɜːbeɪnli/

Description

Imagine a seasoned diplomat guiding a tense conversation, or a charming host making everyone feel comfortable without seeming to try. That is what it means to act *urbanely. This word describes behavior that is polished, graceful, and socially skilled. It is more than simple politeness; it suggests calm confidence and an easy, refined manner. You would not usually describe a noisy, wild child as acting urbanely, but you might say a practiced speaker or host handled a difficult moment urbanely*. The word's roots point to city life and the polished manners often linked with it.

Examples

  1. 1

    Awkward interview

    When the interview turned awkward, she smiled urbanely and changed the subject.

  2. 2

    Polite disagreement

    He disagreed urbanely, praising the proposal before explaining why it would not work.

    • Usage

      urbanely is mostly used in formal writing, not everyday speech

  3. 3

    Diplomacy

    The ambassador answered even the rude question urbanely, without showing any annoyance.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • urbanelyadverb