cosmopolitan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cosmopolitan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures, or to refer to a city that is diverse and international in nature. Example: "New York City is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, attracting people from all over the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Cities

Politics

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cultured, cosmopolitan Sarajevo became the epicentre and the icon of this anguish.

The Guardian - Books

Some celebrate multiculturalism for having transformed Britain into a vibrant, cosmopolitan nation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its cosmopolitan vibe (all those students from London with their outlandish hair and clothes and their universal love of Joni Mitchell) may have been intimidating, but I didn't have to apologise for my accent or love of theatre any more.

The Guardian - Film

Instead the government insists most are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and classifies them as Bengalis, even though some claim roots before the colonial era – when thousands did arrive – to as far back as the 15th century when the Arakan kingdom was famed for its cosmopolitan openness.

The Guardian

The ultimate destination for much of this stuff was the United States, but cosmopolitan Paris too provided a ready market.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Related: Diana Vishneva: On the Edge review – stamina and conviction pushed to the limit Yet, as purely Russian as Vishneva appears, she is one of the most cosmopolitan ballerinas of her generation.

The Guardian

When mentioning my home turf, I have got used to the look of puzzlement that settles on the faces of cosmopolitan journalists or government folk, more familiar with the souks of Marrakech than this unglamorous patch of north London.

The Guardian

Since the 1800s, when foreign ambassadors and merchants built their grand houses on the steep hills north of the Bosphorus, it's been one of Istanbul's most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods.

The Guardian - Travel

But I remember the first time I did it, I was 16 and I was at the gymnasium and it was a cosmopolitan thing, an international thing, a modern thing, but I never felt at ease with it at all".

The Guardian - Books

The birthplace of port, it's a must for wine lovers, and recent years have witnessed something of a cultural renaissance with galleries, restaurants and boutiques opening – the city rebranded itself last year to convey its "youthful, cosmopolitan" side.

The Guardian - Travel

"In foreign policy it embraces universal ideals without the means to enforce them, and cosmopolitan identity in contention with national loyalties".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cosmopolitan" to describe individuals who are at ease and knowledgeable about different cultures, suggesting a global perspective and adaptability. For example, "She is a cosmopolitan traveler, comfortable in any country."

Common error

Avoid using "cosmopolitan" solely to imply trendiness or superficial worldliness. It primarily denotes a genuine understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, not just a surface-level engagement.

Linguistic Context

The word "cosmopolitan" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their inclusive, worldly, or diverse nature. As Ludwig AI highlights, it signifies something that is at ease in any part of the world or composed of people from all over the world. The definition applies to places, people, or concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "cosmopolitan" is a versatile adjective used to describe entities characterized by diversity, global awareness, and inclusivity. As stated by Ludwig AI, the word "cosmopolitan" is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from describing cities and individuals to ideas and products, emphasizing their international or worldly character. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the word's prevalence in news, travel writing, and business contexts. The term holds a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for a broad range of communication while alternatives like "worldly" or "international" may better suit specific applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

metropolitan

Relates specifically to large cities and their diverse populations.

worldly

Implies extensive experience and knowledge of different cultures and societies.

culturally diverse

Stresses the variety of cultural backgrounds present.

multicultural

Highlights the presence and interaction of various cultures within a society or environment.

international

Focuses on the involvement or representation of multiple nations.

global

Emphasizes worldwide scope or relevance.

sophisticated

Suggests refinement, taste, and a broad understanding of cultural norms.

well-traveled

Highlights the experience of visiting many different countries.

urbane

Implies polished and courteous behavior, typical of city dwellers.

broad-minded

Implies openness to different viewpoints and cultures.

FAQs

How can I use "cosmopolitan" in a sentence?

You can use "cosmopolitan" to describe cities, people, or environments characterized by cultural diversity and global awareness. For example: "New York City is a "cosmopolitan" metropolis."

What's a good substitute for the word "cosmopolitan"?

Alternatives to "cosmopolitan" include "worldly", "international", "multicultural", or "urbane", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to describe a small town as "cosmopolitan"?

While typically used for larger cities, "cosmopolitan" could describe a small town if it exhibits a high degree of cultural diversity, global connections, and open-mindedness. However, consider if "diverse" or "multicultural" might be more accurate.

What distinguishes a "cosmopolitan" city from a regular city?

A "cosmopolitan" city is characterized by a diverse population from various countries and cultures, a high degree of tolerance and acceptance, and a vibrant mix of international influences in its art, cuisine, and lifestyle, distinguishing it from a less "international" city.