Near: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when something is at a short distance away, but not necessarily next to something else. It's often used in everyday situations.

• The park is near my house.
• We sat near the window.

This is used to describe something that is very near in distance or time. It can also be used metaphorically to describe relationships.

• The grocery store is close to my apartment.
• They have a very close friendship.

This word is more formal and is used to describe something that is next to or adjoining something else, especially in a more technical or precise context.

• The library is adjacent to the main building.
• Our office is adjacent to the conference room.

This word is more technical and formal, often used in legal, academic, or scientific contexts to mean something that is immediately preceding or following something in a sequence.

• The proximate cause of the accident was a faulty brake system.
• Proximate analysis showed a significant correlation.

Use 'near' when describing an object or person that is within a short distance from another object or person.

• The park is near my house
• There's a cafe near the office

Use 'close' to describe proximity in both physical and abstract terms. It can refer to physical distance or emotional bonds.

• They live close to each other
• We have always been very close friends

Use 'adjacent' when referring to something being directly next to another object, often used in more formal or technical contexts.

• The library is adjacent to the museum
• Our office is adjacent to a beautiful park

Use 'proximal' in medical, biological, or technical contexts to describe something near to a center point or point of reference.

• The proximal end of the bone
• The lesion is proximal to the knee

Used to describe something that is not far away. Commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.

• The school is near my house
• She sat near the window

Describes something that is a short distance away, often interchangeable with 'near'. Suitable for literal and emotional proximity.

• The convenience store is close to my apartment
• She feels close to her family

Indicates something immediately adjacent or very close to another object or person.

• The bakery is next to the coffee shop
• She placed her phone next to the keyboard

Used when something is directly to the side of another object. Often used to indicate close physical proximity.

• He sat beside his friend
• The book is beside the lamp