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Abut Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abut

[ษ™หˆbสŒt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

intransitive

Touch or lean upon; to be adjacent; to be contiguous; to meet, as with a common point.

Synonyms

adjoin, border, meet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abut

Used when two things are directly next to each other, especially in technical or formal settings, like architecture or real estate.

  • His property abuts the city park.
  • The new building will abut the northern wall.
adjoin

Typically used when two areas or buildings are connected or very close to each other, often in formal or legal contexts.

  • The library adjoins the school.
  • Their offices adjoin the main hall.
border

Appropriate for describing the line or boundary between two areas, countries, or regions. Often used in geographic or political contexts.

  • Canada borders the United States.
  • The garden borders the river.
meet

Most commonly used in everyday language to describe the point where two or more things come together or touch. This word is more casual and versatile.

  • The two roads meet at the roundabout.
  • Our property lines meet at the old oak tree.

Examples of usage

  • The land abuts on the highway.
  • The house abuts on the river bank.
Context #2 | Noun

architecture

The part of a building that is adjacent to another building or structure.

Synonyms

connection, interface, junction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abut

Often used in architectural or engineering terms to indicate direct contact or proximity.

  • The new wing of the hospital will abut the existing structure.
junction

Often used in the context of transportation or geography to specify where two or more paths or roads meet.

  • There was heavy traffic at the junction of the two highways.
  • The railway junction connects several major lines.
connection

Used in everyday situations to describe a relationship or link between two or more people, things, or events.

  • There is a strong connection between regular exercise and good mental health.
  • The internet connection was lost during the storm.
interface

Commonly used in technological or business environments to describe the point of interaction or communication between different systems or groups.

  • The software has a user-friendly interface.
  • We need to improve the interface between the marketing and sales teams.

Examples of usage

  • The abut of the house was decorated with intricate carvings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture & Urban Planning

  • In urban development, properties are said to 'abut' when they share a boundary, often impacting zoning laws.
  • Abutting lots may have specific regulations to ensure privacy and access, particularly in highly populated areas.
  • Abutments are structural elements designed to support bridges or arches by connecting directly to the ground.

Legal Terminology

  • In real estate law, 'abut' is often mentioned to describe adjacent properties in boundary disputes.
  • Laws regarding easements frequently use the term to clarify rights regarding land that abuts another.
  • Legal documentation may specify that 'abutting' landowners have particular responsibilities and rights.

Geography

  • Abutting lands can impact conservation efforts and natural resource management, especially in protected areas.
  • In geography, when two bodies of water abut, it can create unique ecosystems and habitats.
  • Regions that abut one another may share similar climate or topographical features due to their proximity.

Mathematics

  • In geometry, figures that abut can help illustrate concepts like adjacency and perimeter calculations.
  • In graph theory, vertices that abut can represent interconnected nodes, important in various algorithm designs.
  • Abutting shapes can also affect area calculations, especially in real-world applications like land measurement.

Origin of 'abut'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'abuten', which means to join or be adjacent.
  • It is derived from the Old French 'abuter', which also means to touch or border.
  • Related to the Latin 'ad' meaning 'to' and 'butt', meaning 'to strike against' or 'to push'.

The word 'abut' originated from the Old French word 'abouter', meaning 'to end at, butt, join', which in turn came from the Latin word 'ad-' (to) and 'bลซtฤre' (to push). The term has been used in English since the 14th century.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,371, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.