When two things are adjacent, it means they are right next to each other.
Imagine two houses that share a wall. Those houses are adjacent.
Or, if you have two chairs side by side, they are adjacent.
It's like being neighbors, very close.
When something is described as adjacent, it means it's positioned right next to something else, often sharing a boundary or a wall.
Think of two houses side-by-side; they are adjacent to each other. This term is frequently used in architecture, urban planning, or even geometry to indicate proximity and shared borders.
It implies a direct, often immediate, connection without anything significant in between.
For example, if a park is adjacent to a library, it means they are directly next to one another.
The term "adjacent" (adjective) refers to items or areas that are positioned immediately next to each other, often sharing a boundary or a common point.
It implies a direct contiguity, suggesting there's nothing significant separating the two entities.
This is particularly relevant in contexts describing geographical proximity, such as buildings sharing a wall, or in mathematical and geometric discussions where sides or angles are neighboring.
Understanding "adjacent" is key to precise spatial descriptions, differentiating it from merely being "near" or "close," as it emphasizes a direct, often unbroken, connection.
While adjacent at the A2 level simply denotes proximity, at a C2 proficiency, its usage nuances become more apparent. It's not merely about being 'next to' but implies a shared boundary, often a common wall or border, fostering a sense of immediate connection or contiguity. This term frequently arises in formal or academic contexts to precisely articulate spatial relationships, moving beyond general closeness to signify a direct, often unbroken, connection between two entities. Thus, its application refines descriptions of interconnected structures or regions, highlighting their shared demarcation rather than just their general vicinity.
§ Understanding 'Adjacent'
The word 'adjacent' is a useful adjective to describe things that are next to each other. It's often used in more formal contexts or when precision is needed to indicate a close spatial relationship.
- DEFINITION
- Describes something that is next to or very close to something else. It is commonly used to talk about rooms, buildings, or areas that share a wall or a border.
The park is adjacent to the library.
Our offices are adjacent to each other on the same floor.
§ Similar Words and When to Use Them
While 'adjacent' means next to, there are other words with similar meanings that you might encounter. Understanding their nuances will help you choose the best word for your context.
- Next to: This is the most common and simplest way to say 'adjacent'. It's very informal and can be used in almost any situation.
My house is next to the school.
- Beside: Similar to 'next to', but can sometimes imply being at the side of something, rather than just in close proximity.
She sat beside him during the meeting.
- Adjoining: This word is very close in meaning to 'adjacent' and often interchangeable, especially when talking about rooms or properties that share a common boundary. 'Adjoining' often suggests a physical connection or sharing of a wall.
The hotel has several adjoining rooms for families.
- Contiguous: This is a more formal and technical term, often used in geography or mathematics, meaning touching along a boundary or without a break. It implies a continuous, unbroken sequence.
The 48 contiguous states of the USA.
- Bordering: This word specifically refers to sharing a border or boundary. It's commonly used for countries, states, or regions.
Canada is bordering the United States to the north.
- Neighboring: This implies being close by, often sharing a common area or community, but not necessarily touching directly.
We visited the neighboring town for the festival.
§ When to Choose 'Adjacent'
You should use 'adjacent' when you want to convey a sense of being directly next to or sharing a boundary, especially in a slightly more formal or precise way than 'next to'. It's particularly useful for:
- Architecture and Real Estate: Describing rooms, buildings, or plots of land that are next to each other.
- Geometry and Mathematics: Referring to sides or angles that share a common vertex or side.
- Formal Descriptions: When you need a clear and unambiguous way to state that two things are side-by-side or touching.
While 'next to' is always an option for general communication, 'adjacent' adds a touch of formality and specificity that can be valuable in certain contexts. It helps to clarify that the items are not just 'near' but truly 'alongside' or 'touching'.
Grammaire à connaître
Adjacent is an adjective and typically comes before the noun it modifies, or after a linking verb.
The adjacent room was quiet.
When used with a linking verb, 'adjacent' often takes the preposition 'to' to indicate what it is next to.
The park is adjacent to the river.
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in descriptive or technical language.
The property adjacent to ours is for sale.
Avoid using 'adjacent' as an adverb. For example, don't say 'The two buildings stood adjacent.' Instead, say 'The two buildings stood adjacent to each other.'
The two houses are adjacent to each other.
It typically describes a physical proximity and is not usually used for abstract relationships.
Incorrect: His ideas were adjacent to mine. Correct: His ideas were similar to mine.
Comment l'utiliser
The word "adjacent" is an adjective, not a noun. It is often followed by the preposition "to." For example, "The park is adjacent to the library." It is used in more formal contexts than "next to" or "beside."
A common mistake is using "adjacent" as a noun. For example, saying "The adjacent is beautiful" is incorrect. Another mistake is using it without "to" when indicating what it is next to, for example, "The building is adjacent the school" is less common than "The building is adjacent to the school."
Astuces
Visualize it!
When you hear 'adjacent,' think of two houses right next to each other, sharing a fence. This visual will help you remember the meaning.
Look for real-world examples.
Next time you're walking around, notice things that are adjacent. 'The park is adjacent to the library.' This makes the word more concrete.
Practice with sentences.
Try to create your own sentences using 'adjacent.' For example, 'My desk is adjacent to the window.' The more you use it, the better you'll remember it.
Think of synonyms.
Words like 'next to,' 'bordering,' or 'adjoining' are similar in meaning. Understanding these connections can strengthen your vocabulary.
Use flashcards.
Write 'adjacent' on one side and its definition on the other. Add a small drawing of two things next to each other for extra visual memory.
Listen for it in conversations.
Pay attention when people talk about locations. You might hear 'adjacent' in descriptions of buildings or rooms. This helps with natural usage.
Read example sentences.
Find sentences online or in a dictionary that use 'adjacent.' For example, 'The two classrooms are adjacent.' This shows you how it's used in context.
Break down the word.
The prefix 'ad-' often means 'to' or 'toward.' While not directly translating here, understanding common prefixes can sometimes help with word recognition.
Connect it to a personal memory.
Think of something in your own life that is adjacent to something else. 'My favorite coffee shop is adjacent to my office.' Personal connections boost memory.
Review regularly.
Don't just learn 'adjacent' once. Come back to it a few times over the next few days and weeks to ensure it sticks in your long-term memory.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
When looking for an apartment, I always check if the bedroom is adjacent to a noisy street. I prefer quiet.
- adjacent to a noisy street
- bedroom is adjacent to
- prefer quiet
The two houses are adjacent, sharing a fence in the backyard.
- two houses are adjacent
- sharing a fence
- in the backyard
Our office building is adjacent to a beautiful park, which is great for lunch breaks.
- office building is adjacent to
- beautiful park
- great for lunch breaks
The library is adjacent to the main university hall, making it easy for students to access.
- library is adjacent to
- main university hall
- easy for students to access
We need to consider the impact of the new construction on the adjacent properties.
- impact of the new construction
- on the adjacent properties
- need to consider
Amorces de conversation
"Can you think of a time when you found something particularly convenient because it was adjacent to something else you needed?"
"What are some places in your neighborhood that are adjacent to each other and how does that affect daily life?"
"Imagine you're designing a new building. What kinds of facilities would you want to place adjacent to each other for efficiency?"
"Have you ever had an experience where something being adjacent caused a problem or inconvenience?"
"When you're traveling, do you prefer your hotel to be adjacent to any specific landmarks or facilities?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a place you know well and list at least three things that are adjacent to it. How do these adjacencies impact your experience of the place?
Reflect on the idea of 'adjacent' in a more abstract sense. What ideas or feelings might be considered 'adjacent' to each other in your mind?
Write about a time you wished something was adjacent to something else, and how that would have changed the situation.
Consider your ideal living situation. What would you want your home to be adjacent to, and why?
Think about a historical event or a story you know. Were there any key elements or locations that were adjacent to each other, and how did that play a role?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsOf course! You could say, 'The park is adjacent to the library,' meaning they are right next to each other. Or, 'Our classroom is adjacent to the teacher's lounge.'
Yes, 'adjacent' specifically refers to things that are physically next to or very close to each other, often sharing a boundary or border. It's not typically used for abstract closeness.
While you could technically say 'The person adjacent to me,' it's much more common to use words like 'next to' or 'beside' for people. 'Adjacent' is more often used for objects, buildings, or areas.
That's a good question! 'Near' means close, but 'adjacent' implies an even closer connection, often touching or sharing a border. For example, a shop could be 'near' the post office, but a room is 'adjacent' to another if they share a wall.
It's a bit more formal than 'next to,' but it's still commonly used in everyday language, especially when describing spatial relationships in a precise way.
No, 'adjacent' is primarily an adjective. It describes something. You wouldn't say 'The building adjacented the other building.'
The opposite would be something like 'distant' or 'far away.' There isn't a single direct opposite that's as commonly used as 'adjacent' itself.
Yes, some synonyms include 'next to,' 'adjoining,' 'neighboring,' or 'bordering.' Each might have slightly different nuances, but they all convey a similar idea of closeness.
It strongly implies they are touching or very, very close, often sharing a boundary. While something can be 'near' without touching, 'adjacent' usually suggests a direct connection.
That's a great thought! While 'adjacent' is mainly for physical space, you could use it in a more metaphorical sense for things in a sequence that are directly next to each other, like 'adjacent numbers' in a list. However, its most common use is for physical proximity.
Teste-toi 60 questions
The park is ___ to the library, so you can walk there easily.
Adjacent means next to or very close to something else. The park and library are close, so 'adjacent' is the correct word.
My house is ___ to the school, which is very convenient for my children.
If the house is convenient for children going to school, it means it's close by, making 'adjacent' the best fit.
The two classrooms are ___ to each other, sharing a wall.
When two rooms share a wall, they are next to each other, which is the definition of 'adjacent'.
The small cafe is ___ to the bookshop, so you can get a coffee after buying a book.
If you can get coffee after buying a book, the cafe must be very close to the bookshop. 'Adjacent' fits this meaning.
The main office is ___ to the reception area on the first floor.
Offices are often located right next to reception areas for easy access, making 'adjacent' appropriate.
The hotel has a swimming pool ___ to the gym, making it easy to exercise and relax.
A swimming pool and gym are often found very close together for convenience, fitting the meaning of 'adjacent'.
Listen for where the house is located.
Listen for the location of the library.
Listen for where the office is.
Read this aloud:
The two buildings are adjacent.
Focus: adjacent
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Her desk is adjacent to mine.
Focus: adjacent
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
The small shop is adjacent to the big supermarket.
Focus: adjacent
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The new park will be built ___ to the community center, making it easily accessible.
'Adjacent' means next to or very close, which fits the context of a park being easily accessible to a community center.
Our office is ___ to the main conference room, so we often hear discussions.
If they can hear discussions, their office must be next to or very close to the conference room, making 'adjacent' the correct choice.
The small cafe is located ___ to the bookstore, attracting many readers.
A cafe attracting readers from a bookstore suggests it is next to or very close to it, so 'adjacent' is appropriate.
They bought a house with a large garden ___ to a beautiful forest.
A garden next to a forest implies 'adjacent', highlighting its proximity.
The two classrooms are ___ to each other, sharing a common wall.
Sharing a common wall directly means the classrooms are next to each other, making 'adjacent' the correct word.
The new art gallery is being built ___ to the city's main museum.
Building an art gallery next to a main museum suggests a close relationship, making 'adjacent' the best fit.
Listen for the location of the library.
Listen for what is next to the house.
Listen for the relationship between the two classrooms.
Read this aloud:
The park is adjacent to the river.
Focus: adjacent
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
My office is adjacent to the breakroom.
Focus: adjacent
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
The new building will be constructed adjacent to the existing one.
Focus: adjacent
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The new cafe is conveniently located ___ to the library, making it a popular spot for students.
The word 'adjacent' means next to or very close to, which fits the context of a cafe being near a library.
Our office building is ___ to a large park, offering employees a pleasant green space for lunch breaks.
'Adjacent' is the best fit as it describes the close proximity of the office building to the park.
The two properties are ___ to each other, sharing a common fence line.
When properties share a common boundary, they are considered 'adjacent'.
During the archaeological dig, they discovered an ancient burial site ___ to the main temple ruins.
The discovery of a burial site 'adjacent' to the temple ruins implies it was found very close by.
The small country is ___ to several larger, more powerful nations, influencing its foreign policy.
A country being 'adjacent' to others means it shares borders, which directly impacts its foreign relations.
We need to find a storage unit that is ___ to our current warehouse to streamline logistics.
To streamline logistics, a storage unit should be 'adjacent' or very close to the warehouse.
Imagine you are describing your ideal living situation. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about the location of your home, using the word "adjacent" at least once. Consider what facilities or natural features would be adjacent to your residence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My ideal home would be a quiet cottage nestled in a vibrant neighborhood. It would be adjacent to a sprawling park, perfect for morning runs and evening strolls. Additionally, a cozy cafe and a bookstore would be conveniently adjacent, making for a perfect afternoon of reading and coffee.
You are writing a property listing for an office space. Describe its location in relation to other businesses or amenities, ensuring you use "adjacent" to highlight its proximity to at least one key feature. Your description should be 2-3 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
This prime office space offers excellent accessibility, situated in the heart of the business district. It is conveniently adjacent to a major public transportation hub, ensuring easy commutes for employees. Furthermore, a popular lunch spot and a bank are directly adjacent, providing essential services within steps.
Write a descriptive sentence using the word "adjacent" to explain the relationship between two geographical features, such as mountains and a valley, or a river and a forest. Be specific in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The lush valley, teeming with diverse wildlife, lies directly adjacent to the towering, snow-capped mountain range, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape.
What is located directly next to the historic library?
Read this passage:
The historic library stands proudly in the city center. Its grand entrance faces the bustling main square, always filled with people. A beautiful botanical garden, renowned for its exotic plant collection, is situated directly adjacent to the library, offering a tranquil escape from the urban environment. Many visitors enjoy spending time in both locations, moving seamlessly from intellectual pursuit to natural beauty.
What is located directly next to the historic library?
The passage explicitly states, 'A beautiful botanical garden...is situated directly adjacent to the library.'
The passage explicitly states, 'A beautiful botanical garden...is situated directly adjacent to the library.'
What was found next to the largest ancient dwelling?
Read this passage:
During the archaeological excavation, the team discovered a series of ancient dwellings. These structures were remarkably well-preserved, suggesting a long-standing settlement. Further investigation revealed that a communal gathering space, likely used for ceremonies, was located adjacent to the largest dwelling. This arrangement provides valuable insights into the social organization of the ancient inhabitants.
What was found next to the largest ancient dwelling?
The text states, 'a communal gathering space...was located adjacent to the largest dwelling.'
The text states, 'a communal gathering space...was located adjacent to the largest dwelling.'
What feature is planned to be built next to the new office complex?
Read this passage:
The new office complex is designed with sustainability in mind. It incorporates green roofing and solar panels to minimize its environmental impact. Furthermore, a vibrant public park, complete with walking trails and a small pond, is planned to be constructed adjacent to the complex. This thoughtful integration aims to provide a pleasant environment for employees and the local community.
What feature is planned to be built next to the new office complex?
The passage mentions that 'a vibrant public park...is planned to be constructed adjacent to the complex.'
The passage mentions that 'a vibrant public park...is planned to be constructed adjacent to the complex.'
Listen for the relationship between the annex and the library.
Consider what 'maritime borders' implies about the word's use here.
Pay attention to the proposed layout of the rooms.
Read this aloud:
The historic cathedral stands majestically adjacent to the bustling market square, creating a striking contrast.
Focus: adjacent, majestically, bustling
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Given the rising sea levels, communities adjacent to the coastline are facing increasingly severe erosion.
Focus: adjacent, coastline, erosion
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
The new commercial development is planned to be adjacent to the existing residential complex, raising concerns among local residents.
Focus: adjacent, residential, complex, concerns
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence describes the physical proximity of two significant structures, which is a common usage for 'adjacent'.
This sentence uses 'adjacent' to indicate the close working proximity of two individuals, highlighting the professional context.
This sentence illustrates the use of 'adjacent' in urban planning and development contexts, describing the planned location of a new building relative to an existing feature.
Listen for the description of the annex's location.
Pay attention to how the two buildings are related physically.
Consider the geographical context of the hamlet.
Read this aloud:
Elucidate the multifarious implications of urban planning that prioritizes commercial developments in areas immediately adjacent to residential zones, considering both economic prosperity and social well-being.
Focus: adjacent
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Discuss the ethical quandaries inherent in exploiting natural resources located in ecologically sensitive regions that are adjacent to indigenous ancestral lands, addressing issues of environmental justice and cultural preservation.
Focus: adjacent
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Critically analyze the strategic advantages and potential vulnerabilities of a military installation situated in a geophysically volatile region, especially if it is adjacent to an international border with an unpredictable geopolitical climate.
Focus: adjacent
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence describes the physical proximity of two significant structures.
This sentence uses 'adjacent' to describe a conceptual closeness between two academic fields.
This sentence uses 'adjacent' to indicate a closely related, though not necessarily direct, impact.
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Visualize it!
When you hear 'adjacent,' think of two houses right next to each other, sharing a fence. This visual will help you remember the meaning.
Look for real-world examples.
Next time you're walking around, notice things that are adjacent. 'The park is adjacent to the library.' This makes the word more concrete.
Practice with sentences.
Try to create your own sentences using 'adjacent.' For example, 'My desk is adjacent to the window.' The more you use it, the better you'll remember it.
Think of synonyms.
Words like 'next to,' 'bordering,' or 'adjoining' are similar in meaning. Understanding these connections can strengthen your vocabulary.
Exemple
Our hotel room was adjacent to the swimming pool.
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur Other
abate
C1Devenir moins intense ou moins sévère. C'est le terme idéal pour décrire quelque chose qui s'apaise, comme une tempête ou une colère.
abcarndom
C1S'écarter intentionnellement d'une séquence fixe ou d'un modèle établi en faveur d'une approche aléatoire ou non linéaire.
abcenthood
C1The state, condition, or period of being absent, particularly in a role where one's presence is expected or required. It often refers to a prolonged or systemic lack of participation in a social, parental, or professional capacity.
abcitless
C1C'est quand il manque une pièce maîtresse, rendant une idée ou un plan incomplet.
abcognacy
C1The state of being unaware or lacking knowledge about a specific subject, situation, or fact. It describes a condition of non-recognition or a gap in cognitive awareness, often used in technical or specialized academic contexts.
abdocion
C1Désigne un mouvement ou une force qui s'écarte d'un axe central. Utilisé techniquement pour parler de ce qui s'éloigne du milieu.
abdocly
C1Abdocly qualifie ce qui est dissimulé ou en retrait, rendant la chose difficile à remarquer immédiatement.
aberration
B2A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome. It refers to a temporary change or a deviation from the standard path or rule.
abfacible
C1To systematically strip or remove the external surface or facade of a structure or material for analysis, restoration, or cleaning. It specifically refers to the technical act of uncovering underlying layers while preserving the integrity of the core material.
abfactency
C1Qualifie ce qui est fondamentalement déconnecté des faits ou de la réalité objective. C'est souvent utilisé pour des théories logiques mais sans ancrage dans le réel.
