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Abutting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abutting

[əˈbʌtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical contact

Abutting refers to being adjacent to or touching something. It commonly describes properties or structures that share a boundary or are next to each other.

Synonyms

adjacent, bordering, contiguous, neighboring, touching.

Examples of usage

  • The two buildings were abutting each other.
  • The garden is abutting the main road.
  • The properties are abutting, which caused a dispute.
  • They found the land abutting their estate.
  • The fence is abutting the neighbor's yard.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • In urban planning, two buildings that are abutting can share a wall, which may save on space and materials.
  • Abutting structures can affect property lines and zoning regulations, highlighting their importance in real estate.
  • When designing a neighborhood, planners often think about which homes should be abutting each other for community interaction.

Law

  • In property law, abutting lots might have shared legal boundaries, which can impact issues like property disputes.
  • Rights of view and light can be influenced by how close property lines are, especially if they are abutting.
  • Legal documents often specify abutting properties to clarify ownership and responsibilities.

Geography

  • In geography, abutting areas may refer to regions that border each other, which can affect cultural exchanges.
  • Rivers and lakes often have abutting shores, which are crucial for ecosystems and human activities.
  • Countries that are abutting each other might have historical ties and shared resources.

Mathematics

  • In geometry, abutting shapes share sides or angles, like how squares might be arranged in a larger rectangle.
  • Graph theory uses the idea of abutting vertices to explore connections between points on a graph.
  • In topology, spaces that are abutting may influence the properties of the overall shape or area.

Origin of 'abutting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'aboter', meaning 'to stop' or 'to touch'.
  • It has roots in the Latin 'abuttare', where 'a-' means 'to' and 'buttare' means 'to push'.
  • In the late 14th century, it was adopted into English, retaining the meaning of being adjacent.

The word 'abutting' comes from the Old French term 'aboter', which means to border or to touch. Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'abuttare', which combines 'ad-' (to) and 'buttare' (to strike or to throw). The usage of 'abutting' developed in English during the late Middle Ages as property laws and definitions began to formalize. Originally used in a more legal and formal context, the term eventually found its way into everyday language, representing not only physical proximity but also metaphorical overlapping, particularly in discussions around boundaries, properties, and even relationships. Its evolution reflects the growing complexity of land ownership and urban development.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,263, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.