B2 verb Neutral

border

/ˈbɔːrdər/

As a verb, to border means to be located directly next to or to share a boundary with a specific geographic area or object. It is also used figuratively to describe a state that is very close to a particular quality or condition, often used with the preposition 'on'.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Our backyard borders a small stream that flows into the lake.

Our backyard is located next to a small stream that flows into the lake.

2

The proposed national park borders several private estates and agricultural lands.

The proposed national park shares a boundary with several private estates and agricultural lands.

3

His reaction to the news bordered on complete hysteria.

His reaction to the news was almost like complete hysteria.

Word Family

Noun
border
Verb
border
Adjective
bordering
Related
borderline
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'OR' in bORder as the 'Outer Rim' of an area.

Quick Quiz

The arrogance he displayed during the meeting was so extreme that it began to _______ on professional misconduct.

Correct!

The correct answer is: border

Examples

1

Our backyard borders a small stream that flows into the lake.

everyday

Our backyard is located next to a small stream that flows into the lake.

2

The proposed national park borders several private estates and agricultural lands.

formal

The proposed national park shares a boundary with several private estates and agricultural lands.

3

His reaction to the news bordered on complete hysteria.

informal

His reaction to the news was almost like complete hysteria.

4

The study area borders the transition zone between the savanna and the tropical rainforest.

academic

The study area is adjacent to the transition zone between the savanna and the tropical rainforest.

5

The company's new distribution center borders the main interstate highway for easy access.

business

The company's new distribution center is situated alongside the main interstate highway for easy access.

Word Family

Noun
border
Verb
border
Adjective
bordering
Related
borderline

Common Collocations

border on madness to be almost crazy
bordered by mountains surrounded by mountains on the edges
directly border to share a physical boundary exactly
border the coast to be situated along the shoreline
border on the ridiculous to be almost absurd

Common Phrases

border on

to come very close to a certain state

bordered with

having a decorative edge of something

sharing a border

having a common boundary line

Often Confused With

border vs boarder

A 'boarder' is a person who pays for a room and meals, whereas 'border' as a verb refers to being adjacent to something.

border vs boundary

Boundary is primarily a noun representing the line itself, while border can function as a verb describing the act of being next to that line.

📝

Usage Notes

When used literally for geography, 'border' is often used in the passive voice ('is bordered by'). When used figuratively to mean 'nearly', it is almost always followed by the preposition 'on'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget to use 'on' when using the word figuratively (e.g., saying 'it borders ridiculous' instead of 'it borders on ridiculous'). They also sometimes confuse the spelling with 'boarder'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'OR' in bORder as the 'Outer Rim' of an area.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old French 'border', meaning to put a hem or edge on a garment, derived from 'bort' (edge/ship's side).

Grammar Patterns

transitive: border + [object] intransitive: border + on + [quality/state] passive: be bordered by + [noun]
🌍

Cultural Context

In academic and political contexts, the verb 'bordering' is frequently used to discuss geopolitical relations and the sharing of resources between neighboring territories.

Quick Quiz

The arrogance he displayed during the meeting was so extreme that it began to _______ on professional misconduct.

Correct!

The correct answer is: border

Related Words

bluster

C1

Bluster refers to loud, aggressive, or indignant talk that carries little sting or power and is often intended to intimidate. It suggests a noisy way of speaking that lacks substance or the actual ability to carry out threats.

bogus

C1

Describes something that is not genuine, counterfeit, or intentionally fraudulent. It is often used in academic and legal contexts to refer to claims, documents, or entities that have been fabricated to deceive others.

boisterous

C1

Describes someone or something that is noisy, energetic, and cheerful, often in a way that is slightly out of control. It is frequently used for groups of people, activities, or natural forces like wind and waves.

bombard

C1

To attack or subject someone or something to a continuous flow of objects, questions, or information. In academic and scientific contexts, it specifically refers to directing a stream of particles or radiation at a substance to induce a reaction.

bombastic

C1

Describing speech, writing, or behavior that is high-sounding and inflated but with little actual meaning or substance. It is typically used to criticize someone for being pretentious and trying to sound more important or knowledgeable than they truly are.

bondage

C1

Bondage refers to the state of being under the control of another person or system, characterized by a lack of freedom or involuntary servitude. In an academic context, it encompasses legal, social, and economic structures, such as slavery or debt peonage, that restrict an individual's autonomy.

boon

C1

A boon is a timely benefit or blessing that is extremely helpful in a particular situation. It refers to something that makes life easier or provides a significant advantage when most needed.

boorish

C1

Describes behavior that is rough, unrefined, and ill-mannered, typically lacking sensitivity or social grace. It suggests a lack of education or cultural sophistication in social interactions.

bootstrap

C1

To start or develop a process or business using minimal external resources, often relying on existing internal assets or self-funding. In computing and statistics, it refers to a self-starting process that executes without external input or a technique for estimation through resampling.

bounty

C1

A bounty is a generous gift or a reward offered for a specific task, such as the capture of a criminal. It also frequently refers to an abundance or plentiful supply of something, particularly food or natural resources.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free