contiguous
Other forms: contiguously
Use the adjective contiguous when you want to describe one thing touching another thing, or next to it but not actually touching.
Things that are contiguous are near or next to but not actually touching and yet they are also defined as "touching, sharing a border." You can use this adjective to describe people or things related to and nearby others. It comes from the Latin word contiguus, which means pretty much the same thing, "bordering upon." Because the word has two meanings that are very similar but not always the same it can be a bit confusing. This is an example of what's called "semantic ambiguity," when something can mean more than one thing or a word or phrase is not precise.
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having a common boundary or edge; abutting; touching“Utah and the contiguous state of Idaho”synonyms: adjacent, conterminous, neighboringconnectedjoined or linked together
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connecting without a break; within a common boundary
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very close or connected in space or time
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Vocabulary lists containing contiguous
This scathing dramatization of the Salem Witch Trials is also an allegory of Senator Joseph McCarthy's pursuit of Communists in the 1950s.
Learn these words that derive from the Latin verb tangere, meaning "to touch." Here are links to the complete set of Common Senses lists: Hearing: Phon / Aud / Son Sight: Vid, Vis / Spec, Spect, Spic / Op, Ops, Opt Touch: Path / Sent, Sens / Tact, Tang
Get the lay of the land by learning this list of words related to U.S. geography, from alpine tundra to arid deserts to grassy plains and prairies. These terms are essential for understanding the climate, natural resources, and landscape of the United States.