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Near: meaning, definitions and examples

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near

 

[ nΙͺΙ™r ]

Adverb / Adjective / Preposition
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in proximity

at or to a short distance away; nearby.

Synonyms

adjacent, close, proximate

Examples of usage

  • He stood near the door.
  • The train station is near our hotel.
  • We live near the beach.
Context #2 | Adjective

close in distance

close to someone or something in distance.

Synonyms

adjacent, close, proximal

Examples of usage

  • The nearest gas station is near here.
  • The two cities are near each other.
  • Her house is near the park.
Context #3 | Preposition

in proximity

at or to a short distance away from (a place).

Synonyms

beside, close to, next to

Examples of usage

  • She lives near the city center.
  • The restaurant is near the train station.
  • Our house is near the mountains.

Etymology

The word 'near' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'nΔ“ar'. It has been used to describe proximity, closeness, and short distances for centuries. The concept of nearness is fundamental to human communication and navigation, making 'near' a commonly used word in various contexts.

See also: nearby, nearer, nearest, nearly, nearness.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #348, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.