Learn How to Pronounce Rome | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Rome
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
Rome, known as Roma in Italian, is the capital city of Italy and one of the world's most historically significant and continuously inhabited urban centers. Founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BC, it grew from a small settlement on the Tiber River into the epicenter of the vast Roman Empire, leaving an indelible legacy on Western civilization in law, politics, engineering, and architecture. Today, Rome is a sprawling metropolis that masterfully juxtaposes ancient ruins like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum with Renaissance masterpieces and the vibrant life of a modern European capital. As the seat of the Vatican City, an independent city-state and the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, it attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists annually. This unique blend makes Rome a premier destination for travel to Italy, offering unparalleled opportunities for historical tourism, with iconic landmarks in Rome such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter's Basilica defining its timeless appeal. The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, encapsulating layers of history from the ancient Republic and Empire through the Baroque period, solidifying its status as the Eternal City.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The primary term "Rome" is straightforward in its English spelling, though common typos include "Roma" (which is the correct and exclusively used Italian spelling), "Rone," or "Roma" mistakenly used in an English sentence. A frequent error arises from confusing "Rome" with "Roman," the adjective form; for example, incorrectly writing "the Rome Empire" instead of "the Roman Empire." In Italian, the city is always "Roma," and this spelling is often correctly used in English contexts to evoke authenticity or refer to its ancient identity, as in "SPQR, the Senate and People of Roma." There is no alternative English spelling, though the city is known by different names in various languages, such as "Roma" in Latin, Italian, Spanish, and Polish, "Rom" in German, and "Рим" (Rim) in Russian.
Example Sentences
No trip to Italy is complete without spending several days exploring the ancient ruins and vibrant piazzas of Rome.
Throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is a beloved tradition said to ensure one's return to the Eternal City.
The history of Rome is palpable as you walk from the Colosseum, past the Imperial Forums, and into the bustling modern city center.
As the capital of the Roman Empire, Rome's influence on language, law, and infrastructure can still be seen across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Many visitors are surprised to find that Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world and the heart of the Catholic Church, is entirely enclosed within the city limits of Rome.
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