surrounding
UK: səˈraʊndɪŋ | US: səˈraʊndɪŋ
adj. being all around or enclosing something
n. (plural) the things or conditions that are nearby or encircle a place or object
The word "surrounding" originates from the Old French "suronder" (to overflow), combining Latin "super-" (over) and "undare" (to rise in waves). By the 15th century, "surround" evolved to mean "to encircle," influenced by the independent root "round" (from Latin "rotundus"). The suffix "-ing" forms the present participle or gerund, solidifying its adjectival and nominal uses. The logic reflects a spatial metaphor: "over" + "circle" → "encompass entirely."
The surrounding mountains were covered in snow.
She observed the surrounding area for any signs of movement.
The noise from the surrounding streets kept him awake.
The report analyzed the social and economic surrounding of the community.
Paintings of the surrounding landscape hung on the walls.