neighbourhood - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
neighbourhood Word Meanings
- a place where people live near each other
- a community or area in a town or city
- the surrounding area or environment
neighbourhood Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
neighbourhood Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈneɪbəhʊd/
US
/ˈneɪbɚhʊd/
neighbourhood Word Etymology
(a) neighbor + hood; (b) From Old English 'neah' (near) + 'hād' (condition, state) to Old French 'voisinage' and then to Middle English; (c) Imagine a cozy street with colorful houses where kids play together and neighbors greet each other with smiles, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.
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 step onto the curb and move along the street, watching the porch lights glow and the faces of neighbors in and out of doorways. I shift my route a notch, nod to a familiar neighbor, and adjust my pace so I don’t race past the cafes I know. The little turns and pushes of the block start to feel like decisions I can make, shaping how the space around me responds. By the time I reach the corner, the neighbourhood doesn’t just exist around me—it feels like a living habit I keep in mind.
Real Context
A neighbourhood is the area where people live, often a cluster of houses, streets, and local services that together form a daily, lived community. In British English you will see the spelling neighbourhood with a u, while American English uses neighborhood. The term can refer to the physical area—such as a quiet suburb or a lively city block—or to the people who live there and the social ties among them. It carries a sense of daily life, safety, belonging, and local character: friendly neighbours, shops, parks, and schools. You might use it when talking about where you feel at home and how the area shapes everyday routines.
Usage Reminders
- Remember the British spelling with U: neighbourhood. Do not confuse with neighbour (a person). Use neighbourhood to talk about the area and community. When describing safety or coziness, combine it with adjectives like friendly, close-knit, or vibrant. It often pairs with local facilities: shops, parks, schools. Think of it as the daily life and social fabric of a place.
Common Misconceptions
- Neighbors are the same as the neighbourhood; the word can refer to people and to the area, not just people.
- Assuming neighbourhood only means a city center; it also describes suburbs and any living area.
- Confusing neighbourhood with neighborhood watch or police districts; context matters.
- Thinking it only describes safety; it also conveys belonging, shops, and everyday life.
- Using neighbourhood when you mean nearby or close, which can be awkward in non-community contexts.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often see neighbourhood as both the physical area and the social world. Learners should notice the British spelling with u and the overlap with the word neighbor (a person). Keep clear that neighbourhood centers on community life, not just maps.
Learning Tips
- Note the British spelling with 'u' in neighbourhood
- Differentiate neighbourhood (area/community) from neighbor (a person)
- Pair neighbourhood with adjectives like friendly, close-knit, or vibrant
- Use in context with local facilities (shops, parks, schools)
- Compare with related terms in your language (e. g., 'quartier', 'vecindario')
- Practice describing your own area to build natural usage
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'neighbourhood' mean?
A.A surrounding area with similar characteristics
B.A legal term for contracts
C.A type of furniture
D.An academic subject
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct sentence using the word 'neighbourhood'.
A.The neighbourhood of the tree is very deep.
B.I need to fix the neighbourhood on my computer.
C.My favourite restaurant is located in my neighbourhood.
D.She bought vegetables from the neighbourhood grocery store.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'neighbourhood'?
A.District
B.Cat
C.Happiness
D.Reflection
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'neighbourhood'?
A.Community
B.Isolation
C.Block
D.Area
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the word 'neighbourhood' might be relevant?
A.She moved alone to an unfamiliar area nearby.
B.The local park serves as a gathering place for families.
C.He decided to tour the neighbourhood to meet new people.
D.Everyone in the community knows each other well.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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