adjacent
Next to or near something; closely related though not identical.
Examples
In a meeting
“We should explore adjacent markets where our product already has brand recognition.”
Over coffee
“Data science is adjacent to software engineering, but it's a different skill set.”
Why this word
near
adjacent specifies immediate proximity with shared boundaries or direct contact, while near is general closeness
neighboring
adjacent emphasizes direct spatial contiguity, while neighboring suggests being in the vicinity
next to
adjacent is more precise about immediate juxtaposition, while next to is informal proximity
Usage tip
Increasingly used figuratively in business to mean 'closely related' (adjacent opportunity, adjacent space). Literally means physically next to.
Etymology
Latin adjacere — ad (to, near) + jacere (to lie), literally 'lying near'
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Related words
perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring continuously.
ample
More than enough; plentiful and sufficient.
mutual
Shared by two or more parties; experienced or done by each toward the other.
versatile
Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
inadvertent
Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning; unintentional.
reciprocate
To respond to an action by doing something similar in return