annex

Pronunciation: /əˈneks/ (IPA), uh-NEKS (American)

Origin: Late Middle English, from Old French annexer or Latin annexare, from ad- 'to' + nexus 'joined'

Part of Speech: verb, noun

Meanings:

1. (verb) To add or attach as an extra or subordinate part, especially to a larger or more significant thing.
2. (verb) To incorporate (territory) into an existing political unit such as a country, state, or city.
3. (noun) A building joined to or associated with a main building, providing additional space or accommodations.
4. (noun) An addition to a document.

Example Sentences:

1. The company decided to annex the smaller startup to expand its market share.
2. Russia's attempt to annex Crimea was met with international condemnation.
3. The university built an annex to house the growing number of research laboratories.
4. Please refer to the annex for additional information on the contract terms.

Related Words:

• Different forms: annexed (past tense), annexing (present participle), annexation (noun)
• Synonyms: append, attach, add, incorporate, join, subjoin

Memorizable Tricks:

• Think of "annex" as "add next" - you're adding something next to or alongside an existing entity.
• The double "n" in "annex" can remind you of two things being connected or joined together.
• In geopolitics, remember that "annex" often implies a larger entity taking over a smaller one, like a big country annexing a small territory.