Adjacent

Definition

Adjacent is an adjective used to describe something that is next to or adjoining another object, structure, or area. It implies physical proximity, where two things are positioned side by side or close to each other.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈdʒeɪsənt/
• Respelling: uh-JAY-suhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈdʒeɪsənt/
• Respelling: uh-JAY-suhnt

The pronunciation of "adjacent" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "adjacent" originates from the Latin word "adjacere," meaning "to lie near" or "to border upon." It combines the prefix "ad-" (to) with "jacere" (to lie). The term entered English in the late Middle Ages, used to describe things lying next to each other.

Derivatives

• Adjacency (noun)
• Adjacentness (noun, rare)
• Nonadjacent (adjective)
• Adjacent to (phrase)
• Proximate (adjective, related)

Synonyms

• Neighboring
• Contiguous
• Adjoining

Antonyms

• Separate
• Distant
• Detached

Usage

The term "adjacent" is commonly used in geographical, architectural, and mathematical contexts to describe things that are close to each other or touching. In real estate, "adjacent" can describe properties or rooms that share a boundary. In mathematics, "adjacent" can refer to angles or sides in geometry that share a common vertex or side.

Related Terms

• Contiguous: Sharing a common border; touching.
• Proximal: Situated close to a point of reference.
• Juxtaposition: The fact of two things being placed close together or side by side.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Next to or adjoining something else: Refers to objects or areas in direct proximity, often touching or side by side.
  • Example: "The two houses are adjacent to each other on the same street."