Cool MateSurrounding
UK /["/səˈraʊndɪŋ/"]/US /["/səˈraʊndɪŋ/"]/
Definition
that is near or around something
In simple words: What is all around something.
Examples
- Oxford and the **surrounding area**
- From the top of the hill you can see all the **surrounding countryside**.
- the immediately surrounding area
- The college tries to respond to the needs of the surrounding community.
Usage notes
Use 'surrounding' to describe things or places that are around other things. It’s neutral terminology suitable for both casual and formal contexts.
Grammar pattern
surrounding + noun
Memory hint
Think of 'sur-rounding' as being in a round space with things around you.
Collocations
- surrounding areas
- surrounding environment
- surrounding landscape
- surrounding buildings
- surrounding community
Synonyms
- enclosing
- encircling
- adjacent
- nearby
- encompassing
Antonyms
- center
- inside
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'surrounded' as both are often used interchangeably.
- Using 'surrounding' as a verb instead of an adjective.
- Incorrectly placing 'surrounding' before a noun that it doesn't modify.