neighbour - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
neighbour Word Meanings
- a person living next to or near another
- someone who shares a common boundary
- a friend or acquaintance in close proximity
neighbour Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
neighbour Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈneɪ.bə/
US
/ˈneɪ.bər/
neighbour Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'neighbor' (near + bor) | Historical origin: Old English 'neahgebur' from Proto-Germanic | Memory image: Picture a fence separating your backyard from your neighbor’s, where friendly chats and shared events blossom, signifying the closeness.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I push open the gate and step into the small yard, feeling the ground warm under my shoe. I move closer to the fence and adjust my stance, keeping eye contact with the neighbour as they come out to water the plants. A simple hello slips out, and the moment turns from awkward to easy, like turning a dial toward familiarity. Soon the neighbour is not a stranger but someone I see often on this street, someone nearby I can count on.
Real Context
A neighbour is a noun for a person who lives nearby or shares a boundary with your property. It can mean the person who lives next door or someone in your local area with whom you have friendly, everyday interactions. The term often implies a sense of community and reciprocal courtesy, as in neighbours helping each other, or a neighbourly chat by the fence. It also appears in phrases like ‘my neighbour’, ‘neighbourhood watch’, or ‘neighbourly relations’, highlighting both physical proximity and social closeness. In British English the spelling includes the ‘u’ (neighbour), while American English spells it neighbour without the ‘u’ (neighbor).
Usage Reminders
- Neighbour refers to a person living nearby or sharing a boundary.
- Spelling differs by variant: neighbour (UK) vs neighbor (US).
- Use with possessives: my neighbour, our neighbours.
- Common forms: neighbourly, neighbourhood (UK) vs neighborhood (US).
- Do not use for non-humans or abstract proximity.
Common Misconceptions
- A neighbour is only a person who lives next door, not someone you know in the area.
- Neighbour and neighborhood always mean the same thing; they’re interchangeable.
- A neighbour is always a friend or someone you know well.
- The word can be used as a verb in everyday modern English.
- Spelling differences imply different meanings or contexts.
Thinking Differences
In English, neighbour emphasizes a person nearby and a social closeness; learners may misuse it for places or objects, or confuse with 'neighborhood'. Spelling differences reflect regional variety, so be mindful of official forms.
Learning Tips
- memorize the UK spelling with 'u'
- compare with neighbor to avoid US-centric errors
- use with possessives: my neighbour, our neighbours
- learn common compounds: neighbourhood, neighbourly
- differentiate from 'neighboring' (adj) and 'neighborhood' (area)
- practice real-life scenarios with neighbors
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'neighbour'?
A.A person living next to or near another.
B.A type of food.
C.An animal that resembles a dog.
D.A mode of transportation.
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'neighbour' correctly?
A.My neighbour enjoys playing video games loudly.
B.The neighbour of the horse was very friendly.
C.He quickly finished his homework to play with neighbour.
D.She baked a cake for her neighbour's cat.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'neighbour'?
A.Acquaintance
B.Stranger
C.Friend
D.Colleague
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'neighbour'?
A.Adversary
B.Foreigner
C.Companion
D.Partner
Step 5: Mastery
Can you describe a situation involving someone living nearby?
A.One person shared their garden vegetables with the person who lives next door.
B.Someone called the police on a loud party across the street.
C.A dog barked at a passing car.
D.Friends planned a trip to the beach together.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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