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Nearer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nearer

[ˈnɪərər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in space or time

Closer to someone or something in distance or time.

Synonyms

adjacent, closer, proximate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nearer

Used to indicate a short distance in time or space from something. It's suitable in casual conversation when comparing distances or times.

  • We are nearing the end of our journey
  • The coffee shop is nearer to my house than the grocery store
closer

Indicates a shorter distance in physical space, emotional attachment, or even a timeframe. Suitable for both casual and formal contexts when comparing distances or relationships.

  • I'm much closer to my brother than my sister
  • The store is closer to downtown than the mall
adjacent

Refers to something that is next to or adjoining something else. Often used in more formal settings, such as technical descriptions or formal writing.

  • The park is adjacent to the school
  • Our office is adjacent to the main building
proximate

Typically used in formal or technical contexts to describe something that is very close in distance or time. Often found in academic, legal, or professional writings.

  • The proximate cause of the accident was determined to be human error
  • Our office is in a proximate location to several key clients

Examples of usage

  • He moved nearer to the window to get a better view.
  • We are getting nearer to our destination.
Context #2 | Adverb

in space or time

At a shorter distance or time from a particular place or moment.

Synonyms

adjacency, closer, proximity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nearer

Used when comparing the relative distance between two things and one is closer than the other.

  • The train station is nearer than the bus stop
  • Each step took me nearer to my destination
closer

Commonly used to describe a smaller physical or metaphorical distance between two objects or events.

  • As we drove, we got closer to the mountains
  • The deadline for the project is getting closer
proximity

Often used in formal or technical contexts to describe nearness in space, time, or relationship.

  • The proximity of the hospital is a great advantage
  • The proximity of the two events caused a scheduling conflict
adjacency

Refers to something being next to or adjoining something else, often used in technical or formal contexts.

  • The adjacency of the two buildings made it easy to move between them
  • In urban planning, adjacency to public transport is crucial

Examples of usage

  • The end is drawing nearer.
  • She could hear footsteps coming nearer.
Context #3 | Noun

in space or time

A close or relatively short distance or time away.

Synonyms

adjacency, close, proximity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nearer

Use to indicate something is closer in distance or time compared to another reference point.

  • We are getting nearer to the city
  • The deadline is getting nearer
close

Commonly used in everyday language to indicate short distance, personal relationships, or to describe something that is almost happening.

  • The store is very close to my house
  • We are very close friends
  • The project is close to completion
proximity

Often used in formal or technical contexts to talk about nearness in space, time, or relationship.

  • The proximity of the hospital to the residential area is advantageous
  • Proximity to the deadline made the team work faster
adjacency

Used in a more formal or technical context to describe something that is next to or adjoining something else.

  • The adjacency of the two buildings made it easy to walk from one to the other
  • The adjacency of the park to the school is very convenient

Examples of usage

  • The nearer, the better.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • In English, 'nearer' is used to compare distances, indicating one object is closer than another.
  • Comparative adjectives like 'nearer' help create clearer descriptions in language, enhancing storytelling.
  • The structure of using '-er' as a suffix for comparisons is common in English, revealing shades of meaning.

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, 'nearer' can describe moral proximity, such as being closer to understanding a concept.
  • The idea of being nearer can transcend physical distance to include emotional or cognitive connections.
  • Many philosophers argue that understanding oneself is essential to getting nearer to truth.

Science

  • In astrophysics, 'nearer' is crucial when discussing celestial bodies, indicating their relative distances in space.
  • The concept of 'nearer' is important in physics, particularly in terms of gravitational pull and forces between objects.
  • In biological contexts, 'nearer' can refer to the proximity of species that may share habitats or ecosystems.

Pop Culture

  • The word 'nearer' has appeared in song lyrics to capture the feeling of longing or closeness between people.
  • Popular movies often use the concept of being 'nearer' in narratives of relationships, emphasizing emotional connections.
  • 'Nearer, My God, to Thee' is a well-known hymn reflecting on spiritual closeness and the idea of finding peace.

Origin of 'nearer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'nearer' comes from the Old English word 'nearin,' which means 'to approach.'
  • It has roots in Germanic languages, where similar words imply closeness or proximity.
  • The comparative form 'nearer' is used to show that something is closer than another thing.

The word 'nearer' originated from the Middle English word 'ner', which is derived from Old English 'nea', meaning 'near'. The comparative form 'nearer' developed over time to indicate a closer distance or time in relation to something. The concept of proximity and closeness is fundamental in human relationships and spatial awareness, making 'nearer' a commonly used word in everyday language.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,825, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.