Surrounding Meaning and Definition
Surrounding
Pronunciation
/ˈsərəndɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A surrounding area, space, or environment; the something that is surrounding or enclosing something else.
Examples
- The park surrounded the city.
- The mist surrounded the mountain top.
Synonyms
- Environment
- Setting
- Ambiance
Antonyms
- Inside
- Within
Additional Information
A surrounding area, space, or environment is the space that is on the outside of something. It is often used to describe a physical area, but it can also be used figuratively to describe a sense of atmosphere or feeling. For example, a peaceful surrounding can be described as serene and calming, while a busy surrounding can be described as chaotic and overwhelming.
In construction, a surrounding is often used to describe the area that is being built around or enclosed by a building or structure. For example, a surrounding road or sidewalk is the area that is built around a building.
Etymology
The word “Surrounding” comes from the Old English words “sur” meaning “around” and “undring” meaning “space” or “area”. It has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including the physical space around an object or the atmosphere or feeling of a place.
Usage Notes
This word should be used in contexts where describing the physical area around something is necessary. It is often used in conjunction with other words such as “area”, “space”, or “environment”.
Cultural References
This word has appeared in various cultural references, including literary works such as novels and poetry. For example, in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the phrase “surrounding walls” is used to describe the protective barriers around the city of Verona.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Surrounding is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “surrounding circumstances” to describe the conditions or environment that are surrounding a particular event or situation.
Related Words or Phrases
Words such as “environment”, “setting”, and “ambiance” are closely related in meaning to “surrounding”.
Collocations
This word is often used in collocations with words such as “area”, “space”, “environment”, or “atmosphere”. For example, “surrounding area” or “surrounding environment”.
Frequency of Use
This word is relatively common in modern language, particularly in contexts related to construction, architecture, and environmentalism.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of this word include “Surounding”, “Suroundingly”, and “Suranding”.