annexe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “annexe” mean?
A building added to or situated near a main building, providing extra space.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A building added to or situated near a main building, providing extra space.
A supplementary document, section, or addition appended to a main text, report, or agreement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'annexe' is the standard spelling for the noun meaning an added building. In American English, 'annex' is the standard spelling for both the noun and verb.
Connotations
The architectural term is neutral. The verb 'to annex' (land) has strong political/military connotations.
Frequency
The noun is moderately common in formal and administrative contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “annexe” in a Sentence
annexe to + NPannexe containing + NPin the annexelocated in an annexeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “annexe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The empire sought to annex neighbouring territories.
- The council voted to annex the land to the existing parish.
American English
- The city plans to annex the unincorporated county land.
- The motion to annex the property passed unanimously.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- [Rare as a pure adjective; 'annexed' is participial adjective: 'the annexed territory'].
American English
- [Rare as a pure adjective; 'annexed' is participial adjective: 'the annexed document'].
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A supplementary section of a contract or report detailing technical specifications.
Academic
An appendix to a thesis containing raw data or lengthy questionnaires.
Everyday
A small building in the garden used as a home office or guest room.
Technical
A protocol annex outlining specific measurement procedures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “annexe”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “annexe”
- Using 'annex' (verb) when 'annexe' (noun) is intended: 'They decided to *annex to the house' vs. 'They decided to build an *annexe to the house'.
- Confusing 'annexe' (appendix) with 'index' (alphabetical list).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'annexe' is primarily a noun. The verb is 'annex' (meaning to add or append, especially territory).
They are often interchangeable for documents. 'Appendix' is more common for books and academic papers, while 'annexe' is typical in legal, diplomatic, and formal administrative contexts.
Use 'annex' for both the noun (the building/addition) and the verb. The spelling 'annexe' is predominantly British for the noun.
Yes, while often connected, an annexe can be a separate structure on the same property, like a garden office or a nearby building serving the main institution.
A building added to or situated near a main building, providing extra space.
Annexe is usually formal/neutral in register.
Annexe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.eks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.eks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'annexe']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ANNEXE as an EXTRA NEXUS (connection point) added to the main building.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BUILDING IS A DOCUMENT / A DOCUMENT IS A BUILDING (both can have 'annexes' added).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'annexe' CORRECTLY in a British English context?