Vocabulary Spotlight
Abut
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To be next to or have a common boundary with something.
“The new park abuts the school grounds, offering easy access for students.”
Pronunciation
[uh-buht]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Border
Connect
Touch
Neighbor
Antonyms
Divide
Detatch
Partition
Isolate
Related Words
Adjoining (adjective)
Word Origin
The term “abut” originates from the Old French word “abouter,” meaning “to join end to end.” This, in turn, comes from the Latin “ad-” (to) and “buttāre” (to hit or strike). The word entered English in the late Middle Ages to describe physical boundaries that touch or meet.
Word Family
Adjective: Abutting – Having a common boundary.
Noun: Abutment – The structure that supports the end of a bridge or span.
Mnemonics
Think of “a-butt” — two things that “butt” up against each other have a shared boundary or edge.
Industry-specific Usage
Architecture
In architecture, abutment refers to the place where one structure meets or supports another, especially in bridges or arches.
Geography
In land mapping, property lines may abut each other, indicating that the lands are adjacent.
Construction
When two materials or structures abut, they join to form a seamless connection in building projects.
In Context
In property and boundary contexts, “abut” is commonly used to describe land parcels that share a border. It is also frequent in construction, where walls, beams, or other materials meet and must align for structural purposes. Everyday uses include fences that abut gardens or neighbors’ yards.