Urban-Urbane | Commonly Confused Words

Urban

/ˈɜːbən/

Relating to a city or town

The urban skyline glittered against the night sky.Her research focused on urban development trends.He enjoys the bustling urban lifestyle.

/əːˈbeɪn/

Having refined manners and showing elegance; polished and sophisticated in interactions with others

He charmed the crowd with his urbane demeanor.Her urbane wit made her the life of the party.The diplomat was known for his urbane style and tact.

Urban relates to cities and anything characteristic of city life, while urbane describes a person's polished and sophisticated behavior.
Both words share the root urban, but urban refers to geography, and urbane refers to social behavior.
Think of urban as the environment or place, and urbane as a mannerism or style.