neighborly

Neighborly is an adjective describing behavior that is friendly and helpful toward one's neighbors or members of a community. A neighborly gesture might include lending a tool, checking on a sick neighbor, or sharing a small item. The term implies goodwill, consideration, and a spirit of cooperation that contributes to social cohesion in neighborhoods and local areas.

The word derives from neighbor plus the adverbial suffix -ly. It has roots in Middle English and Old English, with spelling variants across dialects, including the British English neighbourly and the American English neighborly. The related noun neighborliness refers to the quality or state of being neighborly.

In usage, neighborly describes both actions and dispositions. It can denote deliberate courtesy or a general attitude of helpfulness and community-mindedness. In literature and journalism, neighborliness is often used to illustrate positive social ties or to contrast cooperative behavior with selfishness. The concept also appears in sociological discussions of social capital, trust, and neighborhood resilience, where neighborly networks can support safety, sharing, and mutual aid.

While not a formal technical term, neighborly is frequently invoked in discussions of neighborhood programs, community volunteering, and local governance to emphasize cooperative relationships and mutual support. It can also reflect cultural ideals of civic virtue and everyday kindness that strengthen communal life.