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Verandah Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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verandah

[vษ™หˆrรฆndษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

outdoor structure

A verandah is a roofed platform along the exterior of a house, level with the ground floor. It may be partly enclosed by a railing and often features a space for outdoor living or recreation. Verandahs enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home and provide shelter from the sun and rain. They are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, serving as a transitional space between the inside and outside.

Synonyms

balcony, porch, terrace.

Examples of usage

  • We enjoyed a cup of tea on the verandah.
  • The children played on the shady verandah.
  • She decorated the verandah with potted plants.
  • They spent the evening chatting on the verandah.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, verandahs serve as gathering places for family and friends to socialize.
  • Southeast Asian houses commonly feature open verandahs to promote airflow and provide shade in tropical climates.
  • Australian homes often have wide verandahs to provide shelter from the sun and a place for barbecues and outdoor living.

Architecture

  • Verandahs can vary in style, from simple designs to elaborate constructions with decorative railings.
  • They often incorporate local materials and styles, reflecting the cultural identity of the region.
  • Modern architecture sometimes reimagines verandahs as balconies or terraces, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.

Arts and Literature

  • Verandahs have appeared as settings in various literary works, symbolizing relaxation and contemplation.
  • In art, artists often depict verandahs to represent domestic life, breezy landscapes, and leisure.
  • In film, these structures are used as backdrops for important conversations and moments of revelation.

Origin of 'verandah'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Hindi word 'varandah', which means a porch.
  • It also has ties to the Persian word 'ูพุฑุฏู‡' (parda), meaning 'screen' or 'curtain', reflecting the covered nature of these structures.
  • Originally used in colonial architecture, the term spread to various English-speaking regions.

The word 'verandah' originates from the Hindi word 'varaแน‡dฤ', which means 'a roofed platform'. It likely passed into English through the Portuguese 'varanda', which had a similar meaning. The term began to be used in the early 19th century as British colonial architecture incorporated elements from Indian design. The concept of the verandah became popular in Europe and North America, particularly in houses built in warm climates, where it provided a shaded area for relaxation and social interaction. The design has evolved, with many modern homes including variations of the verandah as an attractive feature for outdoor living.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,515, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.