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
First Known Use: circa 1623

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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