Border

Definition

Border is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a line separating two geographic areas, especially countries, or the edge of an object. As a verb, it means to form an edge along or around something or to be next to something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɔrdər/
• Respelling: BOR-der

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɔːdə/
• Respelling: BAW-duh

Etymology

The word "border" originates from the Old French term "bordeure," which referred to an edge or boundary. The term evolved from Medieval Latin "bordura" and is related to the French "bord" (edge). Originally, it described the edge or boundary of an object or land, and later expanded to include political boundaries.

Derivatives

• Borderline (noun/adjective)
• Bordered (adjective)
• Borderland (noun)
• Bordering (verb)
• Borderless (adjective)

Synonyms

• Boundary
• Edge
• Margin

Antonyms

• Center
• Core
• Middle

Usage

The term "border" is frequently used to refer to geographical boundaries between countries or regions, as well as the edges of objects. For example, "The border between the two countries was heavily guarded," or "The fabric has a decorative border."

Related Terms

• Boundary: A dividing line or limit.
• Frontier: The edge of a country or the limit of settled land.
• Perimeter: The continuous line forming the boundary of a closed figure.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A line separating two geographic areas, such as countries: Refers to the official boundary between political or geographic regions.
  • Example: "They crossed the border into Canada."
• The edge or boundary of an object or surface: Used to describe the outermost part or perimeter of something.
  • Example: "The painting had a gold border around it."

Verb

• To form an edge along or around something: Describes the action of creating a boundary or edge.
  • Example: "A hedge borders the garden."
• To be adjacent to or share a boundary with: Used to describe proximity to another area or object.
  • Example: "Germany borders several European countries."