Contiguity

Contiguity, in its essence, refers to the state of being in physical contact or close proximity. It describes the relationship between two or more things that are near each other in space or time, without necessarily implying any causal link. This concept is fundamental to various fields, including psychology (particularly in associative learning), linguistics, and geography. It can also extend to the notion of connectedness or adjacency. The closeness doesn't have to be absolute, sometimes shared characteristics or a related history suffice to exemplify contiguity. It is the principle behind several aspects of how we perceive and experience the world.

Contiguity meaning with examples

• The map showed the Contiguity of the two neighboring countries, highlighting their shared border. This visual representation emphasized their close geographical relationship, offering the possibility of resource sharing and inter-country movement. Furthermore, it illustrated the potential for collaboration and/or conflict as dictated by the actions and decisions of the governments.
• In associative learning experiments, the Contiguity of a bell sound and food delivery led to the dog's salivation response. The repeated pairing of the stimulus and the reward formed a strong association through this spatiotemporal closeness, demonstrating a foundational element of classical conditioning and demonstrating the influence of contiguity.
• The novel explored the Contiguity of past and present events in the protagonist's life, revealing how a childhood trauma continued to influence her adult decisions. The narrative was built on the close relationship between different moments of time, demonstrating that prior experiences can have substantial effects in the future.
• The architect designed the building to emphasize the Contiguity of interior and exterior spaces, blurring the lines between them. Using large windows and outdoor terraces that flowed from inside areas, he integrated natural surroundings with the interior, improving the quality of life within the structure.