Areaway – Definition & Meaning

Areaway is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language. However, it is an important term used in architecture and construction. Areaway refers to a sunken area or a space that is below ground level, typically in front of a basement or cellar. It is an important feature in buildings as it provides access to the basement or cellar from the outside. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of areaway in detail.

Definitions

Areaway is defined as a sunken area or space that is below ground level. It is typically found in front of a basement or cellar and provides access to the basement or cellar from the outside. Areaways are usually covered with grates or other types of covers to prevent people from falling into them.

Origin

The origin of the word areaway is unclear. It is believed to have originated from the Middle English word “arewey” which means “away from here”. The word has been in use since the 17th century.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of areaway in different dictionaries is consistent with the definition given above. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines areaway as “a sunken area or space below ground level, especially in front of a basement or cellar and providing access to it from the outside”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines areaway as “a sunken area or space, especially in front of a basement or cellar, providing access to it from the outside”.

Associations

Areaways are commonly associated with buildings that have basements or cellars. They are an important feature in such buildings as they provide access to the basement or cellar from the outside. Areaways are also associated with safety as they are covered with grates or other types of covers to prevent people from falling into them.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of areaway include basement entrance, cellar entrance, and sunken entryway.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms of areaway. However, some words that are opposite in meaning to areaway include above ground, elevated, and raised.

The same root words

There are no root words that are directly related to areaway. However, the word “away” is a common root word that is used in many English words.

Example Sentences

Here are some example sentences that use the word areaway:

1. The areaway in front of the building was covered with a grate to prevent people from falling into it.
2. The delivery person left the package in the areaway in front of the building.
3. The areaway provided easy access to the basement from the outside.
4. The areaway was filled with water after the heavy rain.
5. The areaway was the only way to access the basement from the outside.