exurb etymology

Etymology and Meaning

The word "exurb" is a portmanteau, formed from the words "ex" (meaning "outside") and "suburb" (a residential area outside a city). It was coined in 1958 by American sociologist Harvey Cox in his book "The Secular City."

An exurb refers to a residential area that is far beyond the suburbs, typically located an hour or more drive from the city center. Exurbs are often characterized by lower population density, larger lot sizes, and a sense of isolation.

Origin

The term "exurb" emerged in the post-World War II period as a result of several factors:

• Automobile Ownership: The widespread adoption of automobiles allowed people to live farther from the city while still commuting to work or other activities.
• Technological Advancements: Improvements in infrastructure and transportation made it possible to develop and maintain communities at greater distances from urban centers.
• Urban Sprawl: The expansion of cities and suburbs into surrounding areas created a demand for housing options beyond the traditional suburbs.
• Desire for Privacy and Space: Some people sought a more secluded and spacious lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

As urban sprawl continued, the definition of an exurb expanded to include areas that were even further removed from the city core. Today, exurbs can be found in most major metropolitan areas, particularly in the United States and Canada.

exurb relate terms

• suburban

  Etymology The word suburban derives from the Latin word suburbium which means a p

• suburb

  Etymology From Late Latin suburbium meaning lying near the city from Latin sub un

• urban

  Etymology Urban Related to a city or urban area derived from the Latin word urbs me

• necessary

  Etymology Necessary from Latin necessarius meaning indispensable inevitable Mea

• hypochondria

  Etymology Greek ὑποχόνδριον hupokhondrion under the cartilage Mean

• vocation

  Etymology and Origin The word vocation comes from the Latin word vocatio meaning a

• harmony

  Etymology Ancient Greek ἁρμονία harmonia from the verb ἁρμόζω harmo

• prayer

  Etymology The word prayer comes from the Middle English word preiere which in turn d

• lip service

  Etymology The term lipservice is derived from two words Lip The physical fleshy pa

• finance

  Etymology of Finance The word finance originates from the Old French word finer m

• premium

  Etymology The word premium comes from the Latin word praemium meaning reward or

• haunt

  Etymology The word haunt comes from the Old French word hanter meaning to frequent