Neighboring: meaning, definitions and examples

🏠

Add to dictionary

neighboring

[ˈneɪbərɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing something close or adjacent

Situated or living near one another; adjacent. Being near or close, as in relationship or influence.

Synonyms

adjacent, bordering, close, nearby.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
neighboring	Use when you are referring to something that is next to, very close to, or near something else, often implying a friendly or neutral relationship. They visited the neighboring town for the weekend. Our neighboring countries have agreed to the trade deal.
adjacent	Use when you want to describe something that is directly next to or touching something else, commonly used in technical, mathematical, or formal contexts. The library is adjacent to the science building. The two adjacent rooms were combined into a suite.
nearby	Use when talking about something that is within a short distance, commonly used in everyday conversation. There is a school nearby. They found a gas station nearby when they ran out of fuel.
close	Use when emphasizing physical proximity or a personal relationship. It can refer to objects, places, or people that are near each other. The supermarket is very close to my house. She is very close to her cousin.
bordering	Use when something shares a boundary with something else. It's often used in geographical or political contexts. Canada is bordering the United States to the north. The park is bordering the river on the east side.

Examples of usage

The neighboring countries share a border.
She waved to her neighboring house.
The hotel is located in a neighboring town.
The neighboring trees provided shade on hot days.
The noise from the neighboring construction site was disturbing.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

referring to people living near each other

A person living near or next door to the speaker or person referred to.

Synonyms

inhabitant, local, resident.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
neighboring	This word (duplicated in the list) holds the same meaning and context as previously described. She teaches at the neighboring school and often collaborates with our teachers. The neighboring countries signed a peace treaty to end the conflict.
resident	This word refers to someone who lives in a specific place, typically a house, apartment, or complex. It is often used in legal and official contexts. Residents of the building are required to follow the community rules. The new policy affects all city residents starting next month.
inhabitant	This word is used to describe someone who lives in a particular place, usually with a formal or official tone. The park is home to various wild animals, including some rare inhabitants. Inhabitants of the ancient city were known for their advanced architecture.
local	This word is used to describe someone or something that belongs to a specific area, especially when distinguishing between outsiders. It is often used in everyday conversation and informal contexts. The locals were very friendly and helped us find our way around the town. We prefer to buy fresh produce from the local farmers' market.

Examples of usage

I borrowed some sugar from my neighbor.
The neighbors organized a block party.
Our neighbors are very friendly.
The new neighbors introduced themselves yesterday.
The neighbors helped each other during the storm.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Old English 'neahgebur', which means 'near dweller'.
It combines 'near', meaning close, and 'gebur', meaning dweller or farmer.
Over the years, it transformed in spelling and pronunciation, evolving into the word we use today.

Geography

Neighboring regions often share cultural features, such as language, traditions, and style of living.
Countries that share a border frequently have economic ties, allowing for trade and cooperation.
Natural features like rivers or mountains can define neighboring territories, influencing settlement patterns.

Psychology

Research shows that having good relationships with neighboring individuals can enhance community well-being and safety.
People tend to feel a sense of belonging to their neighboring environment, which affects mental health positively.
Studies indicate that individuals are more likely to help their neighbors, reflecting a natural social inclination.

Literature

In many stories, neighboring characters often represent contrasting values, adding depth to narratives.
Literary works frequently explore themes of community through the dynamics of neighboring relationships.
Classic literature often portrays neighbors as critical to plots, acting as foils or allies to the protagonists.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, neighborly connections are emphasized in sayings and idioms, highlighting their societal importance.
Festivals and communal gatherings often bring neighboring families together to strengthen bonds.
Cultural events or traditions can be enriched through shared experiences among neighboring communities.

Translations

Translations of the word "neighboring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vizinho

🇮🇳 पड़ोसी

🇩🇪 benachbart

🇮🇩 bertetangga

🇺🇦 сусідній

🇵🇱 sąsiedni

🇯🇵 隣接する

🇫🇷 voisin

🇪🇸 vecino

🇹🇷 komşu

🇰🇷 이웃한

🇸🇦 مجاور

🇨🇿 sousední

🇸🇰 susedný

🇨🇳 邻近的

🇸🇮 sosednji

🇮🇸 nærliggjandi

🇰🇿 көршілес

🇬🇪 მეზობელი

🇦🇿 qonşu

🇲🇽 vecino

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,285 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6282 incorrect
6283 rectangular
6284 closest
6285 neighboring
6286 magistrate
6287 solitary
6288 recipients
...