inurbous
Describing behavior or a person lacking refinement, politeness, or the sophisticated manners traditionally associated with city life. It is a rare or archaic term used to characterize someone as discourteous, crude, or uncivil.
Examples
3 of 5He didn't mean to be inurbous, but he forgot to hold the door for the elderly woman.
He didn't mean to be inurbous, but he forgot to hold the door for the elderly woman.
The diplomat was criticized for his inurbous treatment of the visiting dignitaries during the summit.
The diplomat was criticized for his inurbous treatment of the visiting dignitaries during the summit.
I find his inurbous attitude towards the waitstaff really annoying when we go out.
I find his inurbous attitude towards the waitstaff really annoying when we go out.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'In-Urban' (Not Urban). In historical contexts, city dwellers were seen as 'urbane' (polite), so someone who is 'in-urbous' lacks those city manners.
Quick Quiz
His _____ behavior at the gala was a shock to the guests who expected a refined gentleman.
Correct!
The correct answer is: inurbous
Examples
He didn't mean to be inurbous, but he forgot to hold the door for the elderly woman.
everydayHe didn't mean to be inurbous, but he forgot to hold the door for the elderly woman.
The diplomat was criticized for his inurbous treatment of the visiting dignitaries during the summit.
formalThe diplomat was criticized for his inurbous treatment of the visiting dignitaries during the summit.
I find his inurbous attitude towards the waitstaff really annoying when we go out.
informalI find his inurbous attitude towards the waitstaff really annoying when we go out.
The Victorian text explores how inurbous conduct was viewed as a significant threat to social stability.
academicThe Victorian text explores how inurbous conduct was viewed as a significant threat to social stability.
An inurbous response to a client's complaint can damage a company's reputation permanently.
businessAn inurbous response to a client's complaint can damage a company's reputation permanently.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
inurbous in the extreme
highly impolite
displaying inurbous tendencies
showing signs of bad manners
an inurbous slight
a rude insult
Often Confused With
Inurbane is the much more common modern synonym, while inurbous is considered archaic or very rare.
Herbous refers to something full of herbs or grass, sharing only a phonetic similarity.
Usage Notes
This word is extremely rare in modern English and is largely replaced by 'inurbane' or simply 'rude.' It is most likely to be encountered in 18th or 19th-century literature or specific high-level vocabulary tests.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistake it for a synonym of 'rural.' While it etymologically means 'not city-like,' it specifically refers to manners (lack of politeness) rather than geography.
Memory Tip
Think of 'In-Urban' (Not Urban). In historical contexts, city dwellers were seen as 'urbane' (polite), so someone who is 'in-urbous' lacks those city manners.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'in-' (not) and 'urbanus' (of the city, polished), reflecting the ancient belief that city life refined a person's character.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Historically, 'urban' traits were equated with civilization and high social status, while 'inurbous' traits were seen as rustic, backward, or belonging to the uneducated lower classes.
Quick Quiz
His _____ behavior at the gala was a shock to the guests who expected a refined gentleman.
Correct!
The correct answer is: inurbous
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