surroundings
suh-ROWN-dihngz
Surroundings (noun) means the area, objects, and conditions around a person or place; an environment. Example: “She felt at ease in her new surroundings.”
noun
1
The area, objects, and conditions around a person or place; an environment.
"Although operational environments profoundly differ, both kinds of autonomous vehicles, groundcraft and aircraft, will still rely on conceptually the same sorts of sensors — cameras, radar and lidar — to perceive surroundings in real time."
— Adam Hadhazy, Achieving autonomy (2020)
"The e-boutique has to engage them in an elevated way and they have to be stimulated by the virtual surroundings."
— Uché Okonkwo, Luxury Online: Styles (2010)
"We like the way they live, in their penthouselike surroundings filled with fake ferns and goldfish."
— Spy (1988)
"She felt at ease in her new surroundings."
"The hotel's peaceful surroundings made it a perfect place to rest and read."
"Children often learn quickly from their surroundings, especially the people close to them."
How to use surroundings
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe environment or area immediately around you.
Common pairings
unfamiliar surroundings
natural surroundings
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She felt at ease in her new _____.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “surroundings” mean?
The word “surroundings” means the area, objects, and conditions around a person or place; an environment. In plain terms, the environment or area immediately around you.
How do you pronounce “surroundings”?
“Surroundings” is pronounced suh-ROWN-dihngz (/səˈɹaʊndɪŋz/ in IPA).
How do you use “surroundings” in a sentence?
Here is “surroundings” used in a sentence: “She felt at ease in her new surroundings.”
What part of speech is “surroundings”?
“Surroundings” is a noun.
Is “surroundings” a common word?
“Surroundings” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between surroundings and environment?
"Surroundings" refers to the area, objects, and conditions around a person or place, often used for the immediate, physical setting someone is in. "Environment" is a broader term that can include ecological, social, or abstract conditions, not just the immediate physical area, though the two words overlap heavily in everyday use.
Is "surroundings" always plural?
Yes, "surroundings" is used as a plural noun and does not have a common singular form with the same meaning; you would say "the surroundings are peaceful" rather than "the surrounding is peaceful." It takes a plural verb accordingly.
What is the difference between surroundings and the surrounding area?
"Surroundings" and "the surrounding area" both describe the space and conditions immediately around a person or place, and are largely interchangeable. "Surroundings" can also lean slightly more toward the general atmosphere or setting, while "surrounding area" more often emphasizes the physical, geographic space nearby.
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