Close by: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'close by' when indicating that something is a short distance away, but still in the general vicinity.

• The supermarket is close by, just a five-minute walk from here

Use 'nearby' when something is situated not far away, within a small or reasonable distance.

• Is there a pharmacy nearby? I need to pick up a prescription

Use 'adjacent' when referring to something that is directly next to or touching another object or place.

• The park is adjacent to the school, making it convenient for the students

Use 'proximate' in a more formal context to describe something that is close in distance, time, or relationship.

• The proximate cause of the accident was determined to be faulty brakes

Suitable for informal situations when you want to express that something is very near in distance without being too specific.

• There's a café close by if you want to grab a coffee
• I live close by, so you can come visit anytime

Appropriate for both informal and semi-formal contexts, indicating something is not far away but without specifying the exact distance.

• There's a grocery store nearby
• We found a hotel nearby to stay the night

Used in more formal contexts or technical descriptions when referring to something lying next to or adjoining something else.

• The library is adjacent to the student center
• Our house is adjacent to the park

Mostly used in technical, legal, or scientific contexts to describe something that is closest in order or relationship.

• The proximate cause of the accident was a mechanical failure
• They are interested in studying regions proximate to the fault line