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Adjacent

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Next to or adjoining something else; having a common boundary or border.
2. In mathematics, referring to an element that is next to or immediately connected to another element, such as an angle next to another angle.
3. In a broader sense, something that is very close to or near another object or area.

History and Origin

The word “adjacent” originates from the Latin word adjacens, meaning “lying near” or “bordering upon,” from ad- meaning “to” and jacere meaning “to lie.” The term has been in use since the early 15th century, initially to describe physical proximity, especially in relation to geographical or spatial locations.

Detailed Explanation

“Adjacent” refers to something that is located directly next to or very near something else, typically without any intervening space. It is commonly used in both everyday language and more technical fields such as geometry, urban planning, and real estate. In geography, adjacent areas might be those that share a border or boundary. In mathematics, two angles are considered adjacent if they share a common vertex and side. The term conveys a sense of closeness or immediate proximity, whether it is physical, spatial, or relational.

Example Sentences

1. The park is adjacent to the school, making it easy for students to visit during lunch.
2. The two buildings are adjacent, connected by a shared wall.
3. The adjacent rooms were rented by different families for the event.
4. The hospital is adjacent to the shopping mall, making it convenient for visitors.
5. The adjacent properties were bought by the same owner.
6. The adjacent seats in the theater were vacant, so we chose to sit together.
7. The adjacent lands are being developed for residential use.
8. The company is located adjacent to the city’s main business district.
9. Their office is adjacent to the cafeteria, so they often eat together during breaks.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Next to – Very close or immediately adjacent to, usually referring to something physically near.
2. Adjoining – Touching or next to something, often used in architectural contexts.
3. Nearby – Close by, but can sometimes imply a slightly greater distance than adjacent.
4. Contiguous – Sharing a boundary or touching, often used in more formal or technical contexts.
5. Bordering – Lying next to or along the edge of something.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Proximity – The state of being near or close to something, often used when describing adjacency in a broader sense.
2. Adjacent angle – In geometry, two angles that share a common vertex and side.
3. Neighboring – Describing areas or places next to each other, similar to adjacent.
4. Connection – The state of being linked or joined, as adjacent things often share a connection.
5. Vicinity – The area surrounding a particular place, similar to but slightly broader than adjacent.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Close – Near in distance, though not always touching, related to the concept of adjacency.
2. Contiguity – The state of being contiguous or adjacent, often used in legal or spatial contexts.
3. Side-by-side – Directly next to each other, typically used to describe items or people in close proximity.
4. Parallel – Lines or paths that run alongside each other but do not intersect, related in meaning to adjacency in specific contexts.
5. Touching – Physically in contact with something, often used when referring to adjacent objects.

Antonyms

1. Distant
2. Far
3. Separated
4. Isolated
5. Remote