First Known Use: circa 1623
Dictionary
urbane
adjective ur·bane \ˌər-ˈbān\
: polite and confident
: fashionable and somewhat formal
Full Definition of URBANE
: notably polite or polished in manner
— ur·bane·ly adverb
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Origin of URBANE
Latin urbanus urban, urbane
Related to URBANE
Synonym Discussion of URBANE
suave, urbane, diplomatic, bland, smooth, politic mean pleasantly tactful and well-mannered. suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction <a suave public relations coordinator>. urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience <an urbane traveler>. diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully <a diplomatic negotiator>. bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities <a bland master of ceremonies>. smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity <a smooth salesman>. politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people <a cunningly politic manager>.
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