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Glite Dictionary
environs

environs

7.1
The area around a town or city
  • noun
  • /ɪnˈvaɪrənz/
translation icon : alrededores
  • In the environs of the city, there are numerous parks and recreational areas.

Examples

  • I'M SEEKING A FAMILY THAT USED TO LIVE IN THESE ENVIRONS.

    Tuck Everlasting (2002)

  • Francis sees the river and its surrounding environs, as did Margaret and her family.

  • The quaint village and its beautiful environs attract many tourists every year.

  • She loves hiking in the environs near her hometown, especially in the spring.

Synonyms

environment
vsenvirons
∞ 2.7

The people, places, and conditions around a person, animal, or thing that affect them

is mainly about the physical area around a town rather than living conditions
vicinity
vsenvirons
129 3.7

The area near a place, for example shops or houses

is a broader term covering the wider area around a town or city
surroundings
vsenvirons
112 2.5

The area and things near a person or place

is focused on the geographic area around a town rather than conditions or items
locality
vsenvirons
23 3.9

An area near a place where people live or work

is more general, meaning the overall area around a town or city
purlieu
vsenvirons
  • Archaic
9.9

An area near a town or city, often quieter than the center

is centered on the general area around a city rather than a peripheral district

Surface Forms

environs plural

Morphology

environs = environ (semi-transparent) = environ + s

The relationship 'environ' → 'environs' (surroundings) is predictable, but the base verb 'environ' and the plural noun form are somewhat uncommon and may be unexpected to learners.

Etymology

Environs comes from a French word meaning 'around' and shares the same root as environment. So environs means the area 'around' a place, the land or neighbourhood that surrounds a town or city.