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Abutted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abutted

[əˈbʌtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical proximity

Abutted is the past tense of the verb 'abut', which refers to the act of being adjacent to or sharing a boundary with something. This term is commonly used in legal, architectural, and land survey contexts, especially when describing property lines or structures that are next to one another. An abutted property could have implications for zoning laws and property rights.

Synonyms

adjoined, bordered, contiguous, joined.

Examples of usage

  • The new fence abutted the existing wall.
  • Their land abutted a protected nature reserve.
  • The building abutted the sidewalk.
  • His property abutted on three different roads.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • In building design, structures that abut can share walls, reducing construction costs.
  • Urban planning often considers how spaces abut to create efficient use of land, especially in densely populated areas.
  • The concept of abutment is also critical in bridges, where structures need to support weight and stability against forces.

Geography

  • Land parcels that abut are important in defining property lines in real estate.
  • Rivers and lakes abutting lands can shape ecosystems and influence local weather patterns.
  • In zoning laws, properties that abut may have different restrictions based upon their proximity to each other.

Law

  • In legal terms, abutted properties can affect easements, where one property might have rights to use part of another.
  • Court cases often involve disputes over the rights of abutting property owners regarding fences or trees.
  • Zoning laws take into account how land abuts to decide on permitted uses and developments.

Art

  • In sculpture, pieces might be designed to abut each other, creating a cohesive installation that encourages viewing from multiple angles.
  • In painting, artists may explore themes of abutment by layering colors or shapes that touch, creating a sense of connection.
  • Photography often captures scenes where elements abut, highlighting contrasts or relationships between subjects.

Origin of 'abutted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'abouter', meaning to join at the end.
  • It has roots in Latin, with 'ad' meaning 'to' and 'butt' meaning 'end', combined to express closeness.
  • In early English, it was used mainly in legal terms concerning land and property arrangements.

The word 'abut' has its roots in Middle English, derived from the Old French term 'abouter', which means to 'end' or 'come to a point'. The prefix 'a-' in Old French translates to 'to' or 'on', while 'bouter' is taken from the verb meaning 'to push' or 'to thrust'. This evolution of the word reflects the concept of one object or entity pressing against another, a defining characteristic of its contemporary use in describing land and property relationships. The usage of 'abut' and its variations can be traced back to legal descriptions and land ownership documents, which made the terminology essential in the context of real estate. Over time, the term has maintained its significance in legal parlance, particularly in property law.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,880 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.