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Glite Dictionary
appurtenance

appurtenance

1 9.9
A thing that is not necessary but makes the main thing more useful like a tool or cover
  • noun
  • /əˈpɜːrtənəns/
  • Formal
translation icon : accesorio
  • We possess brains, opposing thumbs, and all other appurtenances beyond any imaginable reach of our bacterial ancestors.

What comes to mind when I tried to explain the concept of an appurtenance is kind of like the the combo meal at Chick-fil-A.

Examples

  • She decorated her workspace with appurtenances such as a plant, a desk lamp, and colorful pens.

  • I wanted to be like him, to talk posh and live in a house filled with elegant appurtenances instead of mere furniture.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • Thus, as she follows her characters' families from generation to generation, Plain satisfies her own and her readers' interest in the events and appurtenances of historical periods.

    Academic text (1998)

  • However, some easements from 25-30 years ago allowed only a sewer, not a pump station or its appurtenances on private property.

    Academic text (1996)

  • In his blue jeans, Eddie Bauer shirt, and hiking boots, he was hanging on to the appurtenances of youth as desperately as ever.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Although the book lacks the appurtenances of an academic work, it stands out among journalistic analyses for its sophistication and high quality of argumentation.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The charters, here figured as scrolls, identify their donor and his gift in bold, easily legible letters: "I, King Aethelbald, give to you the seat of the abbey with all its appurtenances, free and without hindrance from all secular constraints."

    Academic text (1999)

  • The hiking gear included several appurtenances like a water bottle, a first-aid kit, and a map.

  • The chef used various appurtenances to prepare the meal, including a whisk, measuring cups, and a cutting board.

Synonyms

gear
vsappurtenance
499 2.1

Things you use for a certain activity, like hiking or sports

is not essential and instead refers to an extra item adding convenience
accessory
vsappurtenance
70 3.5

An extra part or device that improves how something works

is used to add convenience for an activity and is not essential
paraphernalia
vsappurtenance
29 8.2

Things used for a certain activity, like camping or photography

is instead a single nonessential item adding convenience rather than a set
add-on
vsappurtenance
22 3.9

A thing you add to a program or device to give extra features

is used mainly to add convenience for activities rather than extend functions
accoutrement
vsappurtenance
  • UK
10 9.9

An extra thing you wear or carry for a particular use, like jewelry

is used for convenience in activities rather than being personal wear
accouterment
vsappurtenance
  • US
2 9.9

An extra item for clothing and gear, like a bag or scarf

is used to add convenience to activities rather than only clothing extras

Antonyms

necessity
274 2.0

A thing you need to live, like food or water

essential
50 2.4

Things you need for a purpose, like food or water

How Essential

necessity
274 2.0
component
447 3.4
appurtenance
  • Formal
1 9.9
accessory
70 3.5
frill
4 5.4

Surface Forms

appurtenance singular
appurtenances plural

Morphology

appurtenance = appurtenant (opaque) = appurtenant + ance

Although formed by a productive noun-forming suffix '-ance' from 'appurtenant', the base 'appurtenant' (and its verb 'appertain') are rare and the relation is not readily guessable by average learners.

Etymology

Appurtenance comes from old parts ad- meaning 'to' and the root pertain meaning 'to belong'. So, an appurtenance is something that 'belongs to' a larger thing — an extra piece or accessory that is not essential but adds use or convenience.