Adjacent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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adjacent

[ษ™หˆdส’eษชsษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in mathematics

Having a common endpoint or border; touching; contiguous.

Synonyms

adjoining, contiguous, neighboring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adjacent

Used to describe something that is next to or very close to something else, often in a more formal or technical context.

  • The library is adjacent to the school.
  • There is a park adjacent to the building.
neighboring

Commonly used to describe something in or related to an area or community that is near or next to another.

  • We went to a neighboring town for the weekend.
  • The neighboring houses are close to each other.
adjoining

Typically used when referring to rooms or areas that share a common border, often inside buildings.

  • We booked two adjoining rooms for our stay.
  • The bathroom is adjoining the bedroom.
contiguous

Used in formal or technical contexts to describe things that share a common boundary or are in contact with each other.

  • The two countries have contiguous borders.
  • They own several contiguous properties.

Examples of usage

  • The adjacent sides of a square are equal in length.
  • The two angles are adjacent to each other.
Context #2 | Adjective

in everyday language

Next to or near something else.

Synonyms

close, nearby, next to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adjacent

Use this to describe something that is directly touching or next to something else, usually in a technical or formal context.

  • The library is located adjacent to the university
  • There is a park adjacent to the office building
nearby

This is used to indicate something is in the vicinity but not necessarily touching or right next to something. It is also informal.

  • Is there a pharmacy nearby? We found a nice restaurant nearby
close

This word is more general and can describe things that are a short distance apart, suitable for everyday conversation.

  • My house is close to the supermarket
  • The cinema is close to the bus stop
next to

This conveys that something is immediately to the side of something else and is used in casual conversation.

  • She sat next to me
  • The post office is next to the bank

Examples of usage

  • Our hotel room was adjacent to the beach.
  • The adjacent building is a supermarket.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In geometry, adjacent angles share a common side and vertex, critical for understanding shapes.
  • Adjacent vertices in graph theory are connected directly by an edge, which is fundamental in the study of networks.
  • In computer science, neighboring cells in grids or arrays are often referred to as adjacent, improving spatial algorithms.

Real Estate

  • In property listings, adjacent properties can indicate potential real estate opportunities or zoning benefits.
  • The concept of adjacency is crucial in urban planning, affecting how communities develop and thrive.
  • Understanding how adjacent lands impact value can help investors make wiser decisions in real estate markets.

Language & Communication

  • In linguistics, adjacent phrases may affect the interpretation of meaning based on context.
  • Cross-cultural communication often hinges on understanding adjacent concepts, helping reduce misunderstandings.
  • In writing, the adjacency of words can create powerful imagery and enhance the expressiveness of language.

Psychology

  • Cognitive psychology studies how adjacent stimuli can influence perception and decision-making.
  • The concept of proximity in social psychology suggests that adjacency can lead to stronger relationships among people.
  • Cognitive biases often arise in areas where choices are adjacent, affecting how decisions are made.

Origin of 'adjacent'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'adjacens', meaning 'lying near' or 'next to'.
  • It evolved through Middle French before entering English in the 15th century.
  • The roots of the word can also be traced to the Latin 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'jacere' meaning 'to throw', describing how one thing is 'thrown' next to another.

The word 'adjacent' comes from the Latin word 'adjacฤ“ns', which is the present participle of 'adjacฤ“re' meaning 'to lie near'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,578, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.