contiguous

/kən'tigjuəs/

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Explanation of the Word "Contiguous"

Definition: The word "contiguous" is an adjective that describes things that are touching or sharing a common boundary. It means that two or more things are connected without any gaps between them.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "contiguous" when talking about land, areas, or items that are next to each other.
• It can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe events or time periods that are closely related or follow one another without interruption.

Examples:

1. Geographical: "The state of Massachusetts is contiguous to Connecticut." (This means Massachusetts and Connecticut are next to each other.)
2. Events: "The two meetings were contiguous, taking place one right after the other." (This means the meetings happened without any break in between.)

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "contiguous" can refer to concepts in mathematics and computer science, such as contiguous memory in programming, where memory blocks are allocated sequentially without gaps.

Word Variants:

• Noun Form: "Contiguity" (the state of being contiguous)
  • Example: "The contiguity of the two properties allowed for easy access."
• Adverb Form: "Contiguously"
  • Example: "The houses are built contiguously along the street."

Different Meanings:

While "contiguous" primarily refers to physical proximity, it can also indicate a close relationship in time or sequence. For example, in a timeline, contiguous events happen one after the other.

Synonyms:

• Adjacent
• Neighboring
• Abutting
• Touching
• Bordering

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly use the word "contiguous," but you can use phrases like: - "Right next to" (to indicate physical closeness) - "In close proximity" (to indicate closeness in space or time)

Summary:

"Contiguous" is a useful word to describe things that are physically or conceptually connected without gaps. It can apply to geography, time, and relationships, making it versatile in its usage.

Academic

Adjective

1. having a common boundary or edge; abutting; touching; Massachusetts and Conncecticut"
   • Rhode Island has two bordering states
   • the side of Germany conterminous with France
   • Utah and the contiguous state of Idaho
   • neighboring cities
2. connecting without a break; within a common boundary
   • the 48 conterminous states
   • the contiguous 48 states
3. very close or connected in space or time
   • contiguous events
   • immediate contact
   • the immediate vicinity
   • the immediate past

Synonyms

• adjacent
• conterminous
• neighboring
• immediate