ENGLISH
REFERENCE

philadelphia

n. uncountable
B1 Intermediate US //ˌfɪɫəˈdɛɫfiə// phil·a·del·phia Archaic

n. a large city in the United States, located in the state of Pennsylvania. It is famous for its history, especially for being the place where the country's founders signed the Declaration of Independence.

n. the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, historically significant as the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. When used in a historical context, it refers to the former capital of the United States.


SIMPLE

Philadelphia is famous for its delicious cheese steaks.

CONTEXTUAL

Many tourists visit Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell and explore the historic Independence Hall.

COMPLEX

As a pivotal center of the American Enlightenment, Philadelphia hosted the Continental Congresses and served as a temporary national capital while the permanent seat of government was under construction.

Origin

From Latin Philadelphia, from Ancient Greek Φιλαδέλφεια (Philadélpheia), from φιλάδελφος (philádelphos, “brother/sibling-loving”) + -εια (-eia, “-ia: forming placenames”), from the combining form of φῐλέειν (phĭléein, “to love”) + ἀδελφός (adelphós, “brother, sibling”). In reference to the city in Turkey, named for the loyal Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamon. In reference to the city in Jordan, named for the incestuous Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt. In reference to the American city, named for the ancient towns as well as the Quaker William Penn's aim of fostering religious tolerance. Doublet of Filadelfia.

Usage

Proper noun — always capitalized.

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