Meaning & use
appurtenances
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“appurtenances” is a form of “appurtenance”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounusually pluralformal
Extra things that belong with, or go along with, a main item, especially the fittings and extras of a house or piece of equipment.
Grammar: Usually plural and followed by of: the appurtenances of a station.
Patterns
- the appurtenances of something
- with all its appurtenances
The house was sold with all its appurtenances, including the garden shed.
The doctor's office had every modern appurtenance of the profession.
The camper came with the usual appurtenances, such as a stove and awning.
nounusually plurallegallaw
In law, a right or thing, such as a path or well, that is attached to land and passes with it when it is sold.
Grammar: Legal wording in deeds and property contracts.
Patterns
- land and its appurtenances
The deed transferred the land and its appurtenances to the new owner.
The right of way is an appurtenance of the farm and goes with it.
The lawyer checked which appurtenances were listed in the contract.
nounusually pluralformalfigurative
Things that come with a role or status and show it, often as a symbol.
Grammar: Often used with an ironic tone: the appurtenances of success.
Patterns
- the appurtenances of something
He enjoyed the appurtenances of power, such as a driver and a large office.
The ceremony had all the appurtenances of royalty.
Word forms
| singular | appurtenance |
|---|
Common combinations
- land and appurtenances
- The sale covers the land and appurtenances.
- appurtenances of power
- He soon grew used to the appurtenances of power.
- modern appurtenances
- The cottage lacked modern appurtenances like heating.
- all appurtenances thereto
- The lease covers the building and all appurtenances thereto.
- necessary appurtenances
- The workshop held the necessary appurtenances for the trade.
Synonyms and how they differ
- accessories
- Accessories are add-ons for a thing, and the word is everyday, while appurtenances is formal and wider in scope.
- trappings
- Trappings stresses outward signs of a position or style, often with a hint of show.
- accessories
- Accessories are add-ons you can buy separately, where appurtenances belong inherently to the main item.
- fixtures
- Fixtures are items fixed in a building, while appurtenances can include rights and non-physical benefits.
Word family
- appurtenant adjective
- belonging or attached to something as a right or part
- appertain verb
- to belong to or relate to
- pertain verb
- to relate to, a shorter relative of appertain
- tenancy noun
- the holding of property as a tenant, from a related root
Commonly confused: appurtenances or appurtenant?
appurtenances vs appurtenant
Appurtenant is the adjective (an appurtenant right); appurtenances is the plural noun for the things themselves.
Practice
The deed lists the farmhouse, the barn, and all their ____, such as the well and the access path.
Choose one answer.
Appurtenances are the extras that belong with the property. 'Appointments' is a plausible formal word for furnishings, but the legal property context calls for appurtenances.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “appurtenances”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.