neighbour

UK: ˈneɪbə | US: ˈneɪbər

Definition

  1. n. a person living near or next to another

  2. n. (figurative) a fellow human being

  3. v. to border on or be adjacent to something

Structure
neigh <near>bour <dweller>neigh <near>bour <dweller>
Etymology

The word "neighbour" originally described someone who lived nearby, combining the concept of proximity (neigh) with residency (bour). Its Old English roots reflect a communal agricultural society where neighbors were essential for survival. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to denote kinship or solidarity beyond physical closeness.

Examples

  1. My neighbour kindly watered my plants while I was away.

  2. Canada neighbours the United States to the north.

  3. Love thy neighbour as thyself.

  4. The two countries have neighboured peacefully for decades.

  5. She waved at her new neighbour across the fence.