1. Enclosing or being all around:
* Example: "The castle was surrounded by a moat."
* This means: The moat was completely enclosing the castle, forming a barrier around it.
2. Existing or happening nearby:
* Example: "The surrounding area is full of shops and restaurants."
* This means: The shops and restaurants are located near the place being discussed.
3. Relating to the area around something:
* Example: "The surrounding environment is very polluted."
* This means: The pollution affects the area around the specific location or thing being talked about.
4. Existing or happening in the time immediately before or after something else:
* Example: "The events surrounding the accident are still unclear."
* This means: The events that happened just before or after the accident are being investigated.
In essence, "surrounding" implies enclosure, proximity, or a close relationship to something else. It helps to understand the context of the sentence to determine the precise meaning.