abut Definition
- 1to be next to or have a common boundary with something
- 2to touch or lean on something for support
Using abut: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "abut" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Our backyard abuts the park.
Example
The new building will abut the old one.
Example
The ladder was placed against the wall to abut it.
Example
The two pieces of wood abutted each other perfectly.
abut Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for abut
- disconnect
- separate
Phrases with abut
abut on
to be adjacent to or share a boundary with something
Example
Our property abuts on the river.
a structure built to support the lateral pressure of an arch or span, e.g. at the ends of a bridge
Example
The bridge abutments were made of reinforced concrete.
abutting owner
an owner whose property is adjacent to another property
Example
The abutting owner agreed to share the cost of repairing the fence.
Origins of abut
from Old French 'abouter', meaning 'to join'
Summary: abut in Brief
'Abut' [əˈbʌt] means to be next to or have a common boundary with something, or to touch or lean on something for support. It is often used in legal and technical contexts, as well as in everyday language. Phrases like 'abut on' and 'abutting owner' extend its meaning to denote adjacency and ownership. 'Abut' has synonyms like 'adjoin' and 'border,' and informal expressions like 'butt up against.'
