environ in English
- environ⇄environ, verb, noun.
- environ⇄noun (Informal.) surrounding parts; environs.
Ex. After all, the environ was teeming with illegally parked cars"" (Alan Coren). - environ⇄v.t. to hem in; surround; enclose.
environ in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
environ in Sindhi سنڌي
environ in Telugu తెలుగు
environ in Urdu اُردُو
environ
Part of Speech
Verb
Pronunciation
/ɪnˈvaɪrən/
Definitions
- environ (verb) – To surround, encircle, or encompass.
- environ (verb) – To be in or form the environment of something, especially in a way that influences or affects it.
Usage Examples
- The city was environed by a large forest, providing a natural barrier.
- She felt environed by constant pressure from her peers to succeed.
Etymology
From the Middle French "environner," meaning "to surround," from Old French "environ," meaning "around." The root of "environ" traces back to the Latin "in-" meaning "in" and "virare" meaning "to turn" or "to circle." The word evolved to signify the act of surrounding or encircling something.
Synonyms
- Surround
- Enclose
- Encircle
- Engulf
- Border
Antonyms
- Exclude
- Unsurround
- Release
- Free
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | rodear | /roˈðe.ar/ |
| French | environner | /ɑ̃.vi.ʁɔ.ne/ |
| German | umgeben | /ʊmˈɡeːbən/ |
| Chinese | 环绕 | /huánrào/ |
| Hindi | घेरना | /ɡʰeːrnaː/ |
| Arabic | يحيط | /yuḥīṭ/ |
| Russian | окружать | /əkrʊˈʐatʲ/ |
| Portuguese | rodear | /ʁoˈdɛaʁ/ |
| Italian | circondare | /tʃir.konˈda.re/ |
| Japanese | 囲む | /kakomu/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "environ" can vary slightly depending on the regional accent. In some dialects, the first syllable may be pronounced with a more distinct "e" sound, while others might emphasize the "v" sound more strongly.
Historical Usage
Historically, the term "environ" has been used in both literal and figurative senses. It was commonly employed in medieval and Renaissance literature to describe geographical or physical surroundings. Over time, it began to take on a more abstract meaning, referring to social, cultural, or emotional surroundings as well.
Cultural Nuances
In some cultures, the idea of "environing" is linked to protection and care. For example, in certain indigenous cultures, the environment is not just about physical surroundings but also includes spiritual and cultural contexts. The word can thus carry a deeper significance beyond simply describing geographical or physical boundaries.
More Information
The word "environ" is still used today, especially in legal, environmental, and literary contexts. In law, it can refer to the act of surrounding or enclosing a property or area, often in relation to zoning or land use. In literature, it may describe the setting or atmosphere surrounding a character or event. The modern use of the word is often associated with ecological discussions, particularly concerning the preservation of natural environments and the effects of human activity on the world around us. The concept of "environ" emphasizes the interconnectedness of all elements that surround an individual, a place, or a community.