Surroundings: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about the area or things around a place or person. It is often neutral and descriptive.

• She felt anxious in unfamiliar surroundings.
• The house is situated in beautiful, quiet surroundings.

Has a broader application, often used in discussions about ecological conditions, workspaces, and general conditions affecting someone or something.

• Factories must reduce their impact on the environment.
• The work environment here is very collaborative and friendly.

Commonly used to describe the place or conditions in which something happens, often related to stories, events, or scenes in literature and films.

• The book's setting is in a small coastal town in the 1950s.
• The wedding had a stunning outdoor setting by the lake.

Used when referring to the mood, character, quality, tone, or atmosphere of an environment. Often used in relation to places like restaurants or rooms and has a more refined or cultured connotation.

• The restaurant had an elegant ambiance with soft lighting and soothing music.
• Candlelight adds to the romantic ambiance.

Usually refers to the immediate area around a person or thing. Can be used to talk about natural or built environments.

• She was comforted by the familiar surroundings of her childhood home.
• The hotel offers luxurious surroundings that are perfect for a relaxing vacation.

Refers broadly to all the external factors affecting a living being, including natural, social, and built environments. Frequently used in discussions about ecology and sustainability.

• We need to take steps to protect the environment from pollution.
• A supportive work environment can increase employee productivity.

Often used in storytelling or description to refer to the time and place where events occur. Can also mean the background or context of a situation.

• The novel is set in a rural setting during the 19th century.
• The wedding had a breathtaking mountain setting.

Describes the mood, character, or atmosphere of a place. Often associated with restaurants, events, or any setting where mood is important.

• The ambiance of the restaurant was perfect for a romantic dinner.
• The soft lighting and jazz music created a relaxing ambiance.