Neighbouring: meaning, definitions and examples

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neighbouring

[ˈneɪbərɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

adjective

Located close to or next to something else

Synonyms

adjacent, bordering, close, nearby.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
neighbouring	Typically used to describe something that is next to or very near another thing, often pertaining to countries, regions, or towns. The neighbouring countries signed a trade agreement. She visited the neighbouring town during the weekend.
adjacent	Often used in more formal contexts and refers to things that share a common boundary or are side by side, usually in a physical or geographical sense. The adjacent buildings were damaged in the fire. His office is adjacent to mine.
nearby	Generally used to describe something that is close in proximity but not directly touching or adjacent, casual and informal use. There is a café nearby. A nearby store sells fresh produce.
close	Used to describe something that is not far in distance, often used in everyday or colloquial speech. It can refer to both physical proximity and relationships. The school is close to my house. They are very close friends.
bordering	Commonly used to indicate something that touches the edge or boundary of another thing, frequently used with countries or large regions. France is bordering Germany to the east. The farm bordering the forest is up for sale.

Examples of usage

The neighbouring countries have a strong trade relationship.
We have a neighbouring house that is currently being renovated.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originated from the Old English 'neahgebur', meaning 'near dweller'.
It combines 'neighbor', which denotes proximity, with the suffix '-ing', indicating a continuous action.
The term has been part of English since the 14th century, evolving in spelling and meaning.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, strong ties between neighbouring communities enhance local support networks.
Festivals or events often foster relationships between neighbouring groups, promoting unity and cultural exchange.
Urban planning often takes neighbours into account, leading to community-focused designs in cities.

Geographical Context

Countries that share borders often enter into agreements for trade, immigration, and security, based heavily on neighbouring relationships.
Topography like mountains and rivers can define neighbouring territories, influencing both accessibility and culture.
Geography also plays a crucial role in climate and ecology, affecting neighbouring regions in significantly different ways.

Psychology

Research indicates that good relationships with neighbours can enhance mental well-being and community engagement.
People living in close proximity often share common interests, leading to shared resources and collaborative solutions.
Having supportive neighbours can decrease feelings of isolation, boosting social networks.

Literature and Arts

Many stories and poems explore themes of neighbourly relationships, reflecting human connection and conflict.
Artistic representations of neighbourhoods often evoke nostalgia and shared experiences.
Classic novels frequently feature neighbouring interactions as a means to explore societal dynamics.

Translations

Translations of the word "neighbouring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vizinho

🇮🇳 पड़ोसी

🇩🇪 nachbarlich

🇮🇩 tetangga

🇺🇦 сусідній

🇵🇱 sąsiedni

🇯🇵 隣接する

🇫🇷 voisin

🇪🇸 vecino

🇹🇷 komşu

🇰🇷 이웃의

🇸🇦 جار

🇨🇿 sousední

🇸🇰 susedný

🇨🇳 邻近的

🇸🇮 sosednji

🇮🇸 nágr

🇰🇿 көрші

🇬🇪 მეზობლური

🇦🇿 qonşu

🇲🇽 vecino

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,662 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6659 extensions
6660 photographic
6661 savage
6662 neighbouring
6663 endeavour
6664 dug
6665 unsatisfactory
...