Metropolitan vs. Metropolis — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on January 16, 2024
"Metropolitan" refers to a large, densely populated urban area or the characteristics of such areas, while "Metropolis" specifically denotes the main city in a region.
Difference Between Metropolitan and Metropolis
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "metropolitan" describes something related to a large and densely populated urban area, often encompassing both the city and its surrounding suburbs or towns. "Metropolis," however, refers specifically to a large, important city, often the capital or a primary city in a region or country.
"Metropolitan" can be used as an adjective to describe aspects of city life or urban areas, such as metropolitan culture, lifestyle, or areas. "Metropolis," as a noun, focuses on the city itself, particularly a central or significant urban hub.
A metropolitan area can include multiple cities or towns along with the primary city, forming a region characterized by significant economic, social, and cultural interconnections. A metropolis typically signifies the most prominent or influential city within a metropolitan area or region.
"Metropolitan" can also refer to services, institutions, or activities that cater to a wide urban area, like a metropolitan police service or metropolitan transportation. In contrast, a metropolis is often the center of such services and activities, drawing people from surrounding areas.
The distinction between the two terms lies in their scope and usage. "Metropolitan" is broader and more descriptive, while "Metropolis" is more specific and identifies a particular city.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to a large urban area
A main or capital city
Scope
Includes city and surrounding areas
Focuses on the city itself
Usage
Adjective describing urban characteristics
Noun identifying a specific city
Examples
Metropolitan lifestyle, metropolitan area
New York is a metropolis
Significance
Describes urban life or area characteristics
Signifies a city's importance or influence
Compare with Definitions
Metropolitan
Relating to a large urban area and its suburbs.
The metropolitan area includes several smaller towns.
Metropolis
A city of great importance and influence.
The metropolis stood as a symbol of modern development.
Metropolitan
Serving or encompassing an entire urban region.
The metropolitan transit system connects the entire region.
Metropolis
The main city in an urban or metropolitan area.
The metropolis attracts millions of tourists every year.
Metropolitan
Characteristic of city life or urban culture.
They enjoyed the metropolitan atmosphere of the city.
Metropolis
The focal point of a metropolitan area.
The metropolis is surrounded by smaller suburban communities.
Metropolitan
Descriptive of densely populated urban areas.
Metropolitan areas often face unique environmental challenges.
Metropolis
A center of economic, cultural, or political activity.
This metropolis is the economic hub of the country.
Metropolitan
Associated with services covering a wide urban area.
The metropolitan police department oversees the whole city.
Metropolis
A large and significant city, often a capital.
London is a metropolis known for its historical landmarks.
Metropolitan
In most Eastern Orthodox churches, a bishop who is head of an ecclesiastical province and ranks next below the patriarch.
Metropolis
A metropolis () is a large city or conurbation which is a significant economic, political, and cultural center for a country or region, and an important hub for regional or international connections, commerce, and communications. The term is Ancient Greek (μητρόπολις) and means the "mother city" of a colony (in the ancient sense), that is, the city which sent out settlers.
Metropolitan
Of, relating to, or characteristic of a major city
Crowded metropolitan streets.
A metropolitan newspaper.
Metropolis
A major city, especially the chief city of a country or region
Chicago, the metropolis of the Midwest.
Metropolitan
Of or constituting a large city or urbanized area, including adjacent suburbs and towns
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
A metropolitan county.
Metropolis
A city or an urban area regarded as the center of a specific activity
A great cultural metropolis.
Metropolitan
Of, relating to, or constituting the home territory of an imperial or colonial state.
Metropolis
(Ecclesiastical) The chief see of a metropolitan bishop.
Metropolitan
Of or relating to an ecclesiastical metropolitan.
Metropolis
The mother city or country of an overseas colony, especially in ancient Greece.
Metropolitan
A citizen of a metropolis, especially one who displays urbane characteristics, attitudes, and values.
Metropolis
The mother (founding) polis (city state) of a colony.
Metropolitan
In the Western Christian churches, a bishop with provincial powers, with some authority over suffragan bishops.
Metropolis
A large, busy city, especially as the main city in an area or country or as distinguished from surrounding rural areas.
Capital city
Metropolitan
In the Greek Orthodox church, a bishop ranking next below an archbishop.
Metropolis
(Orthodox Christianity) The see of a metropolitan bishop, ranking above its suffragan diocesan bishops.
Metropolitan
(Orthodox Christianity) A bishop empowered to oversee other bishops; an archbishop.
Metropolis
(ecology) A generic focus in the distribution of plants or animals.
Metropolitan
The inhabitant of a metropolis.
Metropolis
The mother city; the chief city of a kingdom, state, or country.
[Edinburgh] gray metropolis of the North.
Metropolitan
(Orthodox Christianity) Pertaining to the see or province of a metropolitan.
Metropolis
The seat, or see, of the metropolitan, or highest church dignitary.
The great metropolis and see of Rome.
Metropolitan
Of, or pertaining to, a metropolis or other large urban settlement.
Metropolis
Any large city.
Metropolitan
Of or pertaining to the parent state of a colony or territory, or the home country, e.g. metropolitan France
Metropolis
A large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts;
Ancient Troy was a great city
Metropolitan
Of or pertaining to the capital or principal city of a country; as, metropolitan luxury.
Metropolis
People living in a large densely populated municipality;
The city voted for Republicans in 1994
Metropolitan
Of, pertaining to, or designating, a metropolitan or the presiding bishop of a country or province, his office, or his dignity; as, metropolitan authority.
Metropolitan
The superior or presiding bishop of a country or province.
Metropolitan
An archbishop.
Metropolitan
A bishop whose see is a civil metropolis. His rank is intermediate between that of an archbishop and a patriarch; as, the metropolitan of Constantinople.
Metropolitan
In the Eastern Orthodox Church this title is given to a position between bishop and patriarch; equivalent to archbishop in western Christianity
Metropolitan
A person who lives in a metropolis
Metropolitan
Relating to or characteristic of a metropolis;
Metropolitan area
Common Curiosities
Can a metropolitan area cover more than one city?
Yes, a metropolitan area can encompass several cities, towns, and suburbs.
Is every large city a metropolis?
Not necessarily; a metropolis is typically a primary city with significant influence or importance.
Does "metropolitan" only refer to cities?
No, it refers to both the city and the surrounding urban region.
What makes a city a metropolis?
A city is considered a metropolis based on its size, influence, and economic, cultural, or political importance.
How does living in a metropolitan area differ from a rural area?
Living in a metropolitan area typically involves more urban amenities, higher population density, and diverse cultural experiences compared to rural areas.
Can a city be both a metropolis and part of a metropolitan area?
Yes, a city can be a metropolis and also part of a larger metropolitan area.
What are the characteristics of a metropolis?
A metropolis is characterized by its large population, diversity, economic activity, and cultural significance.
Can a small city be a metropolis?
A small city is usually not considered a metropolis; the term typically applies to larger, more influential cities.
Are metropolises always capital cities?
Not always, but many metropolises are capital cities due to their political and economic significance.
Is the lifestyle in a metropolis different from other cities?
Yes, the lifestyle in a metropolis is often faster-paced and more diverse than in smaller cities or towns.
What is a metropolitan area?
A metropolitan area is a large urban area including the city and its surrounding suburbs and towns.
Is "metropolitan" used in contexts other than geography?
Yes, "metropolitan" can describe lifestyles, attitudes, or services related to urban life.
Can a metropolis be part of a larger metropolitan area?
Yes, a metropolis can be the central city within a larger metropolitan area that includes surrounding towns and suburbs.
What role do metropolises play in a country's economy?
Metropolises often serve as economic powerhouses, contributing significantly to a country's economy through various sectors.
Does a metropolitan area have a single governing body?
Metropolitan areas may have multiple governing bodies, as they can include several cities and towns.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
