Annex
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A building or addition that is attached to or associated with a main structure, typically to provide extra space.
- A document or section that is added to the end of a report, book, or official publication, often to provide supplementary information.
- To incorporate or take control of a territory, often by force, and make it part of a larger country or state.
- To append or attach something, especially documents or supplementary materials, to a main body of work.
History and Origin
The word “annex” comes from the Latin annexare, meaning “to fasten to” or “to join to.” It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe both physical structures and the legal or political act of attaching something to a larger entity. Over time, it expanded in meaning to include both the physical attachment of buildings and the formal incorporation of territories or additional information in documents.
Detailed Explanation
“Annex” can refer to both a physical and an abstract concept. In a physical sense, it refers to an addition to a building, often a smaller structure that is connected to the main one, such as a wing on a school or a side building for offices.
In a more formal context, “annex” can describe the act of formally adding a document, appendix, or supplementary material to an existing body of work. For example, a company might include financial statements as an annex to their annual report.
In political or legal contexts, annexation refers to the process of one country or state formally incorporating or taking control of a territory that was previously independent or controlled by another entity. Historically, annexation has often been done through force or conquest.
Example Sentences
- The new annex at the hospital will house additional patient rooms.
- The report included an annex that detailed all the financial data.
- The country’s military successfully annexed the neighboring territory.
- The committee decided to annex the proposal to the main document for further review.
- The government annexed the region after the peace talks broke down.
- The building’s annex provides more space for growing businesses.
- The university’s annex includes additional classrooms and a cafeteria.
- The agreement was accompanied by an annex outlining future steps.
- The country’s decision to annex the disputed area sparked international outrage.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Addition – A thing added to something else, similar to an annex in the context of physical structures or documents.
- Appendix – A supplementary section of a document or publication, often attached at the end, like an annex.
- Expansion – The process of enlarging or extending, often used when discussing annexing territory or a building.
- Attachment – Something that is added or connected, especially in relation to documents or buildings.
- Supplement – Something added to complete or enhance the main content, similar to an annex in a report.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Outbuilding – A small building located near a larger one, similar to an annex.
- Extension – A part added to an existing structure, often used interchangeably with annex in construction contexts.
- Conquest – The act of taking control of a territory, often leading to annexation by the conquering country.
- Integration – The process of combining something into a larger whole, similar to annexation of regions.
- Incorporation – The act of legally integrating a territory, group, or entity into a larger framework, like annexation.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Merge – To combine or unite, often in a way that makes one entity part of another, similar to annexation.
- Compendium – A collection of items or data, often including annexes or supplementary information.
- Addition – Something added to an existing structure, whether in terms of buildings or data, similar to annex.
- Embassy – A diplomatic mission that may operate in annexed or newly controlled territories.
- Provision – A condition or term added to a contract or agreement, similar to an annex in documents.
Antonyms
- Separation
- Division
- Withdrawal
- Detachment
- Exclusion