neighbourhood
HighNeutral
Definition
Meaning
A specific, localised area within a town or city, especially the immediate area around one's home, or the people living there.
A district with its own distinctive character; proximity in position or time (e.g., 'in the neighbourhood of £100'); in mathematics, the set of points near a given point.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term implies proximity and locality. It can refer to both the physical place and its social community. While countable, it is often used with singular determiners (e.g., 'a friendly neighbourhood', 'the whole neighbourhood').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British spelling is 'neighbourhood'. American spelling is 'neighborhood'. No significant difference in meaning.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries positive connotations of community, familiarity, and local identity. Negative connotations can relate to unsafe or rundown areas.
Frequency
Equally frequent and core in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
in the neighbourhood (of + [NUMBER/PLACE])live in a [ADJ] neighbourhooda neighbourhood of [PLACE]the neighbourhood [NOUN] (e.g., neighbourhood shop)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the neighbourhood of (approximately)”
- “neighbourhood watch”
- “good neighbour policy”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in property development, marketing, and urban planning (e.g., 'targeting upscale neighbourhoods').
Academic
Used in sociology, urban studies, and geography to analyse social structures and spatial organisation.
Everyday
Commonly used to describe one's local area, discuss community events, or give directions.
Technical
In mathematics (topology), a set containing a point and all points sufficiently close to it.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The neighbourhood cafe is always busy.
- He's a well-known neighbourhood character.
American English
- She joined the neighborhood watch program.
- It's just a neighborhood dispute.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My neighbourhood has a park and a shop.
- I live in a quiet neighbourhood.
- The children play in the neighbourhood.
- There's a great sense of community in our neighbourhood.
- They've just opened a new restaurant in the neighbourhood.
- House prices vary a lot depending on the neighbourhood.
- The council is investing in the regeneration of the downtown neighbourhood.
- The project aims to foster stronger ties within the neighbourhood.
- It's in the neighbourhood of three miles to the nearest station.
- Gentrification is rapidly altering the demographic fabric of the neighbourhood.
- The theorem holds for all points within a certain neighbourhood of the origin.
- Their estimate was in the neighbourhood of five million pounds, which was surprisingly accurate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of your 'neighbour' and their 'hood' (short for neighbourhood). It's the 'hood' where your neighbours live.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNITY IS A CONTAINER (e.g., 'in the neighbourhood', 'out of the neighbourhood').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'район' for large administrative districts; 'neighbourhood' is smaller and more local. 'Окрестность' is closer for the 'vicinity' sense. The social community aspect is stronger in 'neighbourhood' than in 'квартал'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'neighbour' when 'neighbourhood' is meant (e.g., 'I like my neighbour' vs. 'I like my neighbourhood'). Misspelling (neighborwood, nieghbourhood). Overusing it for very large, non-local areas.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct American English spelling?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Neighbour' refers to a person living near you. 'Neighbourhood' refers to the area or district where you and your neighbours live.
Yes, though less common. It typically implies a cluster of homes or a small community, not isolated farms. 'Village' or 'hamlet' might be more precise.
No. This idiom is commonly used to mean 'approximately' when talking about numbers, amounts, or time (e.g., 'a cost in the neighbourhood of £50').
It is neutral, suitable for both everyday and formal contexts. In highly technical or specific contexts (e.g., city planning), terms like 'district', 'ward', or 'zone' might be preferred.