surrounding
/sə'raundiɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Being all around a particular thing or place; encircling. This describes something that exists on all sides of a central object or area. 2. Adjacent or nearby; relating to the area that is close to a specific location. This meaning emphasizes the immediate vicinity or environment.
Usage
The adjective "surrounding" is used to describe the area, objects, or conditions that are all around a central point. It typically comes before a noun. - It modifies nouns like area, countryside, region, environment, buildings, noise, circumstances. - It is often used in the phrase "the surrounding [noun]" (e.g., the surrounding towns, the surrounding air).
Examples
- The house and its surrounding gardens are beautifully maintained.
- The explosion damaged the target and several surrounding buildings.
- We need to consider the problem within its surrounding context.
- The surrounding countryside is very peaceful.
Advanced Usage
- "Immediately surrounding": Used to emphasize the area closest to the central point.
- The police secured the building and the immediately surrounding streets.
- In formal or technical writing, "surrounding" can describe abstract conditions or influences.
- The political climate surrounding the election was tense.
Variants and Related Words
- Surround (verb): To be all around (someone or something).
- Walls surround the old city.
- Surroundings (plural noun): The things and conditions around a person or place; the environment.
- She works best in quiet surroundings.
Synonyms
- Encircling: Forming a circle around.
- Adjacent: Next to or adjoining something else.
- Neighboring: Located nearby.
- Ambient: Relating to the immediate surroundings (often used for air, light, or sound).
Antonyms
- Distant: Far away in space or time.
- Remote: Situated far from the main centers of population.
- Central: At the center.
Notes on Usage
- "Surrounding" vs. "Surroundings": "Surrounding" is an adjective (the surrounding area). "Surroundings" is a plural noun referring to the environment itself (she admired her surroundings).
- Do not confuse with the verb form "surround." The adjective "surrounding" does not show action but describes a state or position.
Adjective
- closely encircling
- encompassing mountain ranges
- the surrounding countryside