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Contiguous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contiguous

[kənˈtɪɡjuəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

connected areas or things

Sharing a common border; touching; adjacent.

Synonyms

adjacent, adjoining, neighboring, touching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contiguous

Used in formal settings or technical contexts to describe things that share a common boundary or are touching one another.

  • The two countries are contiguous, sharing a lengthy border.
  • The contiguous states in the US are often referred to as the 'lower 48'.
adjacent

Commonly used in various contexts to describe things that are next to or near each other but not necessarily touching.

  • The bathroom is adjacent to the bedroom.
  • The park and the library are adjacent properties.
neighboring

Used to describe areas or objects that are near but not necessarily directly touching. It often refers to geographic proximity.

  • We received help from neighboring communities.
  • The neighboring town will host the festival this year.
adjoining

Often used in real estate or geography to describe rooms, buildings, or areas that are physically connected.

  • We booked two adjoining rooms for our stay at the hotel.
  • The kitchen has an adjoining dining area.
touching

Typically used to describe things that are physically in contact with each other. It can also have a sentimental connotation when used in other contexts.

  • The two houses are so close that they are almost touching.
  • Her touching story moved everyone to tears.

Examples of usage

  • The two countries share a contiguous border of over 3,000 kilometers.
  • The rooms in the house are arranged in a contiguous layout.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • In geography, 'contiguous' often describes countries or regions that share a common border.
  • The contiguous United States refers to the 48 states that are connected together, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, contiguous segments can refer to sections of a line or shapes that share edges or points.
  • A contiguous sequence in math means a series of numbers where each number is one after the other.

Education

  • In education, contiguous learning environments emphasize experiences that connect without interruptions, enhancing understanding.
  • Contiguous learning materials could lead to improved retention as concepts build on one another smoothly.

Science

  • In biology, contiguous habitats refer to ecosystems that directly connect, allowing species to migrate between them.
  • Contiguous data in computer science means that pieces of information are stored right next to each other for easier access.

Origin of 'contiguous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'contiguus', meaning 'touching' or 'neighboring'.
  • It was first recorded in English in the late 14th century, originally referring to touching or adjoining land.

The word 'contiguous' originated from the Latin word 'contiguus', which means touching or bordering. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe things that are adjacent or connected. Over time, 'contiguous' has become widely used in various fields such as geography, mathematics, and urban planning to refer to areas or objects that are touching or share a common border.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,718 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.