adjoining
UK[əˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ]US[əˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ]
adj
next to or in contact with something else; sharing a common boundary.
Morpheme Breakdown
ad
join
ing
ad
to, toward, near
join
to connect, unite, yoke
ing
Etymology
the word "adjoining" is built upon the verb "adjoin", which entered english in the 14th century from old french "ajoindre". this, in turn, derives from latin "adiungere", a compound of "ad-" (to, toward) and "iungere" (to join). the literal sense is "to join to". the present participle suffix "-ing" transforms the verb into an adjective, describing something that is in the state of being joined or attached to something else. the core logic from its latin roots—the concept of bringing or being near through a connection—remains clearly evident in its modern meaning of being next to or sharing a border.
Analysis
Structure: ad + join + ing
- ad: latin origin, a prefix meaning "to, toward, near".
- join: latin origin (via old french), from 'iungere' meaning "to connect, unite, yoke".
- ing: old english origin, a suffix forming the present participle of verbs, used here to create an adjective.
Examples
the hotel room had an adjoining door to the suite next door.
they bought the adjoining plot of land to expand their garden.
the kitchen is adjoining the dining room, which makes serving meals very convenient.