neighborhood
HighNeutral; common in all registers from informal to semi-formal. Less common in highly formal technical writing unless referring to the mathematical sense.
Definition
Meaning
A local area or community, especially the surrounding area near one's home.
The general vicinity or region; used to denote approximate quantity or value (e.g., 'in the neighborhood of $50'). A set of points in mathematics surrounding a given point.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a spatial/social term for a physical community. Can be abstracted to mean 'approximate area' in terms of quantity, time, or value. In graph theory and topology, it has a precise technical definition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The British English spelling is 'neighbourhood'. The American spelling is 'neighborhood'. The British usage of 'neighbourhood watch' is identical in concept to the American 'neighborhood watch'.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries strong connotations of community, familiarity, and local identity. The British term is slightly more common in formal place-names (e.g., 'the Westminster neighbourhood').
Frequency
The word is very high-frequency in both varieties. The American spelling 'neighborhood' is dominant in global digital contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
in the ~ of [PLACE]in the ~ of [NUMBER]the ~ of [PLACE NAME]a ~ (that) + CLAUSE (e.g., a neighborhood that is improving)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the neighborhood of”
- “good-neighborhood policy”
- “neighborhood of make-believe”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May appear in real estate or urban development contexts (e.g., 'target neighborhood for investment').
Academic
Common in sociology, urban studies, and geography. Has a specific technical meaning in mathematics (topology).
Everyday
Extremely common for discussing where one lives, local amenities, and community events.
Technical
In mathematics (topology): a set containing an open set around a given point.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- She's involved in neighbourhood planning.
- The neighbourhood cafe is very popular.
American English
- He serves on the neighborhood council.
- We have a strong neighborhood association.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I live in a quiet neighbourhood.
- The shop is in my neighbourhood.
- Our neighbourhood has a park and a school.
- They are looking for a house in a family-friendly neighbourhood.
- The character of the neighbourhood has changed significantly since the new metro line opened.
- The project will cost in the neighbourhood of two million dollars.
- Topologically, any open set containing a point p is a neighbourhood of p.
- Gentrification has altered the socio-economic fabric of the historic neighbourhood.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a NEIGHBOR who is GOOD. A NEIGHBORHOOD is where good neighbors live together.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NEIGHBORHOOD IS A CONTAINER (people live *in* it, things happen *within* it). A NEIGHBORHOOD IS A PERSON (it can be friendly, quiet, safe).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'район' in all contexts. 'Район' can be a large administrative district. 'Neighborhood' is smaller, more intimate. For the mathematical sense, use 'окрестность'. For 'in the neighborhood of $50' use 'около' or 'примерно'.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'neighbourhood' (UK) vs. 'neighborhood' (US). Using 'neighborhood' to refer to a very large, impersonal city district. Incorrect preposition: 'on the neighborhood' instead of 'in the neighborhood'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'neighborhood' used to mean 'approximately'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Neighbor' (or 'neighbour') is a person who lives near you. 'Neighborhood' is the area or community where you and your neighbors live.
Yes, but with the spelling 'neighbourhood'. The concept and frequency of use are identical to American English.
Yes. It can refer to an approximate amount ('in the neighborhood of $50'). In mathematics, it has a precise technical meaning relating to sets around a point.
It is a community-based crime prevention program where residents collaborate with local police to monitor and report suspicious activity in their area.