What does vicinity mean?
Vicinity is a noun meaning the area around a particular place, person, or thing. It commonly refers to a neighborhood, district, or broader surrounding area, as in “in the vicinity of the airport.” The word is used in British and American English and is somewhat more formal than alternatives such as area, surroundings, or neighborhood. In expressions such as “in the vicinity of,” it can also mean proximity or closeness, without necessarily implying an immediately adjacent location. Because it can denote either a defined surrounding area or the general idea of being nearby, vicinity is useful when a description needs to be more precise than “around” but less geographically specific than a named neighborhood. Its formal tone gives it a measured quality, while its flexibility allows it to describe both physical space and figurative closeness.
nounThe area surrounding or close to a particular place, person, or thing; a neighborhood or nearby district.
- The area surrounding or close to a particular place, person, or thing.
- Closeness or proximity, especially in expressions indicating that something is near another thing.
"They chose a quiet hotel in the vicinity of the station."
"A new café opened in the vicinity of the university."
"The success of the research brought several competitors into the vicinity."
The plural is uncommon; vicinity is usually used in the singular, particularly in the expression “in the vicinity of.”
"The city and its surrounding vicinities offer a range of cultural activities."
Vicinity captures everything nearby: close enough to matter, but not necessarily close enough to be next door.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vicinity come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from Latin vicinitas, meaning “neighborhood” or “neighboring district.” Latin vicinitas derives from vicinus, meaning “neighboring,” which is related to vicus, meaning “village.” English developed related forms such as vicinal, and the older word vicinage also reflects the same Latin root.
How vicinity is actually used
Vicinity is widely used in both formal and informal English. It is somewhat more formal than nearby or around, and it can suggest a broader surrounding area rather than a single neighboring place.
Easily confused with vicinity
Vicinity means a surrounding area or nearby location, whereas vicissitude refers to a change in circumstances, often an unexpected one.