ENGLISH
REFERENCE

agora

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈæɡɝə// ago·ra

n. a large public square in ancient Greek cities where people met to talk, trade, and discuss politics. It was the heart of the city's social and political life.

n. a large public square or open space in ancient Greek city-states, serving as a central hub for civic, commercial, and social activities. Often used metaphorically in modern contexts to describe a public forum for debate.


SIMPLE

The ancient agora was the center of the city's life.

CONTEXTUAL

Archaeologists discovered several marble columns that once supported the roof of the agora's central market.

COMPLEX

While the physical agora no longer exists, the digital platforms of today serve a similar function by providing a virtual space for the exchange of ideas and the exercise of collective political will.

Etymology 1

Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek ἀγορά (agorá).

Etymology 2

From Hebrew אֲגוֹרָה (agorá), from the root א־ג־ר (ʾ-g-r, “forming words relating to hoarding and storing”).

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