contiguous
Medium difficulty
What does “contiguous” mean?
sharing a common border; touching.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in passages related to geography, urban planning, or ecology, emphasizing the physical connection between areas or elements. It suggests not just proximity but also a relationship that can affect interactions and dynamics, distinguishing it from words like "adjacent," which can imply closeness without necessarily indicating direct contact.
Common Confusions
Contiguous implies direct contact between areas, while adjacent usually suggests closeness without necessarily being physically connected.
Do not choose contiguous if the context emphasizes separation or distance rather than sharing a common border or touching.
Example Sentences
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Mexico and the United States share a contiguous border.
Word Parts: How to Remember “contiguous”
Break “contiguous” into its parts: co- (together, with). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
co-together, with (Latin)