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Contiguously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contiguously

[kənˈtɪɡ.ju.əs.li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in sequence

Contiguously means in a way that is touching or connected without any gaps or intervening spaces. This term is often used in geography or descriptions of layout, implying that elements are arranged directly next to each other. When objects, structures, or areas are contiguously placed, they form a continuous line or surface. The concept is crucial in various fields such as mathematics, real estate, and environmental studies.

Synonyms

adjacently, continuously, together.

Examples of usage

  • The properties were contiguously aligned along the street.
  • The two lakes are located contiguously in the reserve.
  • Contiguously arranged cities often share resources.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • In geography, 'contiguous' describes regions that share boundaries, such as the 48 adjoining U.S. states, commonly called the 'contiguous United States'.
  • Many countries are described in terms of their contiguous land forms, highlighting their physical connections rather than separations.

Mathematics

  • In set theory, the term refers to elements that are adjacent in sequence, very important in understanding sequences and series.
  • In geometry, shapes can be said to be 'contiguous' if they share a border or point, impacting their properties and classifications.

Physics

  • In physics, aspects like energy or forces can be said to act 'contiguously' when they are continuous and affect the same area without interruption.
  • The concept of 'contiguity' is crucial in theories of spatial relationships, helping to understand interactions in fields from motion to electromagnetism.

Cognitive Psychology

  • Cognitive psychology studies how we perceive objects that are contiguous – our brains often group nearby items together as a single visual unit.
  • The 'law of proximity' explains how items close together are often perceived as a whole, illustrating the importance of spatial relationships in our perception.

Origin of 'contiguously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'contiguus', which means 'touching' or 'nearby' – showing its long-standing meaning of closeness.
  • In English, 'contiguously' has been used since the late 15th century, illustrating the concept of proximity in various contexts.

The adverb 'contiguously' is derived from the word 'contiguous', which comes from the Latin term 'contiguus'. This Latin word means 'touching' or 'bordering on'. The root 'tangere' in Latin translates to 'to touch', which is reflective of the meaning of being in physical proximity or in touch with something else. The usage of 'contiguously' in English has evolved to encompass not only physical touch but also metaphorical connections, such as ideas or concepts that are closely linked. The transition to the current form and usage likely occurred in the late 19th to early 20th centuries as the need for precise language in describing geographical and spatial relationships grew. Today, 'contiguously' is often found in academic writing, particularly in disciplines that analyze relationships between entities in space, such as urban planning and environmental science.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,618, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.