The spelling of the word "neighbour" might cause confusion for non-native English speakers. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈneɪbər/. This means that the "gh" at the end of the word is silent and the "ou" diphthong is pronounced as "ay". This spelling is common in British English, while in American English, the word is spelled "neighbor" with a simpler pronunciation of /ˈneɪ.bɚ/. It's important to keep in mind the spelling differences between British and American English when communicating with English speakers from different regions.
Neighbour is a noun that refers to a person who lives near or next to another individual or a property. The term emphasizes the proximity or location of one's residence to another. A neighbour can be a person residing in the same building, house, or area, whether it is urban or rural. They share a geographic and physical proximity, often with an extensive level of interaction and regular encounters.
Neighbours are typically part of the immediate social community and are therefore influential in shaping and maintaining the atmosphere and quality of life in a neighbourhood. They can be friendly and supportive individuals who maintain regular contact, offering assistance, advice, or collaboration. This often leads to the formation of a close-knit community, fostering a sense of belonging and cooperation.
Conversely, neighbours can also exhibit a range of behaviors or attitudes, from cordiality to indifference or even hostility. Interactions with neighbours can vary widely, depending on social, cultural, and personal factors, as well as the size and type of community. Conflicts may arise due to differences in values, habits, noise levels, or property boundaries.
In summary, a neighbour is someone who lives nearby or next to another individual or property, sharing a geographic and social connection. This term encompasses a wide range of relationships and interactions, which can significantly impact individuals' day-to-day lives and the overall dynamics of a community.
• One who lives near to another; an intimate; in Scrip., a fellow-being.
• To be near to; to adjoin.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "neighbour" originated from Old English, where it was spelled "neahgebur". It is a combination of two elements: "neah" meaning "near" and "gebur" meaning "dweller" or "inhabitant". Thus, "neighbour" literally meant "nearby dweller" or "one who lives nearby". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved, finally settling on the current form "neighbour".