Definition of City
Quick Meaning of City
A big town where many people live, work, and do business.
Detailed Definition of City
A large urban area with many buildings, businesses, and people living close together.
How to Pronounce City
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: Pronounce the first syllable to rhyme with 'sit', not 'site'. The second syllable is a reduced schwa: SIT-ee.
Watch out: Sometimes pronounced with the vowel sound of 'sit' rather than a reduced schwa in the first syllable.
Origin and Etymology of City
From Old French cité, from Latin civitas (state, citizenship); related to civis (citizen).
How to Use City in a Sentence
Each example shows “city” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The city where I was born has many historical landmarks.”
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“My city has many parks and modern shopping centers.”
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“The city center attracts millions of tourists yearly.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of City
Common Synonyms for City
Smart Synonyms for City — When to Use Each
- metropolis
- for very large important urban centers
- town
- for smaller settlements with less development
Antonyms of City
Common Collocations with City
These phrases pair with “city” in everyday English:
- city center
- city life
- city streets
- major city
- capital city
Common Mistakes When Using City
Even fluent speakers slip up with “city”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: She loves the city because there is many people.
- ✓ Correct: She loves the city because there are many people.
- Why: With plural 'people', use 'there are', not 'there is'.
- ✗ Wrong: I want to travel to many city in Europe.
- ✓ Correct: I want to travel to many cities in Europe.
- Why: Plural nouns require 'cities', not 'city', after plural quantity words.
Words Confused With City
- City vs Town: A town is smaller and less developed than a city; cities typically have more infrastructure and population.
Other Forms of City
Frequently Asked Questions About City
What is the meaning of "City"?
A big town where many people live, work, and do business.
How do you pronounce "City"?
The IPA is /ˈsɪti/. Pronounce the first syllable to rhyme with 'sit', not 'site'. The second syllable is a reduced schwa: SIT-ee.
What part of speech is "City"?
"City" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "City"?
Common synonyms include town, metropolis, urban area.
How do you use "City" in a sentence?
For example: "The city where I was born has many historical landmarks."