environ: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1-C2)Formal, Literary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “environ” mean?
To surround or encircle an area, object, or concept.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To surround or encircle an area, object, or concept.
To form or create the setting, conditions, or atmosphere around something; to be situated around.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in older British literary texts.
Connotations
Archaic, poetic, or highly formal in both.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency verb in contemporary speech and writing for both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “environ” in a Sentence
[Something] environs [something else].[Something] is environed by/with [something].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “environ” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Ancient woodlands environ the historic manor.
- A sense of melancholy environs the protagonist's memories.
American English
- Tall skyscrapers environ the small, older park.
- Doubts began to environ the entire proposal.
adverb
British English
- No adverbial form.
American English
- No adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival use. Use 'environmental', 'surrounding', or 'ambient'.
American English
- No standard adjectival use. Use 'environmental', 'surrounding', or 'ambient'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rarely used as a verb; the noun 'environment' is standard.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used in technical jargon; 'ambient', 'surrounding', or 'environmental' are preferred.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “environ”
- Using it in casual conversation.
- Misspelling as 'environment' (the noun).
- Using it in place of the more common 'affect' or 'influence'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal, and somewhat archaic verb. Its noun form 'environment' is extremely common.
'Environ' is formal/literary, while 'surround' is neutral and used in all registers. Their core meaning is identical.
Yes, it is often used passively (e.g., 'The town was environed by forests').
For most learners, it is more important to recognize it in reading. Using 'surround', 'encircle', or 'encompass' is recommended for active vocabulary.
To surround or encircle an area, object, or concept.
Environ is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.
Environ: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈvaɪ.rən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈvaɪ.rən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this verb.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ENVIRON'ment – the 'viron' part is the verb meaning 'to surround', creating the conditions (the -ment) around you.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE IS A CONTAINER (The town is environed by hills).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the verb 'environ' be LEAST appropriate?