Word
surroundings
Phoneticssur·round·ings, stress on the second syllable
US/sɝˈaʊndɪŋz/
UK/səɹˈaʊndɪŋz/
Definitions
01environment
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun
n. the place where you are and the things that are around you.
n. the physical area and conditions surrounding a person or thing; the environment or setting.
“The hotel was simple, but the natural surroundings were beautiful.”
“After living in a crowded city for years, she found it difficult to adjust to the quiet surroundings of the countryside.”
Usage
Always used in the plural form when referring to an environment.
Pitfall
The surrounding was very beautiful.
The surroundings were very beautiful.
In this sense, the word is always plural and takes a plural verb.
Synonyms
02thermodynamics
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Science Technical
n. everything in the universe that is not part of the specific system being studied.
n. the portion of the universe outside the boundaries of a thermodynamic system.
“Heat is transferred from the chemical reaction to its surroundings.”
“In an isolated system, there is no exchange of either matter or energy with the surroundings.”
Usage
Used to distinguish the external environment from the internal system in physics and chemistry.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Amphibians generally do not travel long distances during their lives, and they are highly sensitive to changes in their surroundings.” “It combines past experiences, information from your surroundings and signals from inside your body to create your everyday experiences.” “The results suggest black holes may continue reshaping their surroundings long after their brightest fireworks end.” “One is driven by "crowding," in which molecules are pushed together by other molecules in their surroundings.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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