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Nearness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nearness

[ˈnɪrnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in relationships

The state or quality of being near in space or relationship.

Synonyms

closeness, intimacy, proximity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nearness

Talking about physical or emotional closeness in a neutral or descriptive way.

  • The nearness of the shops makes it a convenient place to live
  • The nearness of their friendship was evident in how they supported each other
closeness

Referring to a strong emotional bond or a short physical distance between people or objects.

  • The closeness between the siblings was remarkable
  • Their closeness in age made them best friends growing up
proximity

Discussing physical distance in a more formal or technical way, often used in professional or academic settings.

  • The proximity of the airport to the city center is a great advantage
  • He chose the apartment due to its proximity to his workplace
intimacy

Describing a very close, personal relationship, often emotional or romantic. Can have a slightly formal context.

  • Their relationship was built on trust and intimacy
  • The intimacy between the couple was evident in their gentle interactions

Examples of usage

  • He felt a sense of nearness to his family.
  • The nearness of the two buildings made it easy to commute between them.
Context #2 | Noun

in time

The short distance in time between two events.

Synonyms

closeness, immediacy, proximity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nearness

Used to describe physical or emotional distance in a neutral manner.

  • The nearness of the park makes it a great place for morning runs
  • His nearness brought her comfort
immediacy

Refers to something happening without delay or the urgency of a situation. Often has a sense of urgency or significance.

  • The immediacy of the emergency required swift action
  • The immediacy of her response surprised everyone
closeness

Often used to describe emotional bonds or relationships, can sometimes describe physical distance.

  • The closeness between the friends was evident in their conversations
  • Closeness to the city center was a big plus for the apartment
proximity

Used to describe physical closeness or the distance between locations, often in technical or formal contexts.

  • The proximity of the school to their house was a major advantage
  • In close proximity to the airport, the hotel was a convenient choice

Examples of usage

  • The nearness of the deadlines caused stress for the team.
  • In the nearness of the holidays, people tend to be more festive.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Proximity can enhance relationships; people tend to develop bonds with those they see often.
  • Research shows that the closer people are to each other, the more likely they are to feel comfortable sharing personal feelings.
  • The 'mere exposure effect' suggests that being near someone regularly increases liking and attraction.

Geography

  • In geography, 'nearness' can refer to how landforms and cities are situated in relation to each other.
  • Urban planning often considers the nearness of parks and public amenities to ensure better quality of life for residents.
  • Satellite imagery can showcase the nearness of natural features like rivers and mountains, affecting local ecosystems.

Social Science

  • Studies show that communities with high nearness (close-knit neighborhoods) often experience lower crime rates and stronger social ties.
  • The concept of 'nearness' is used in sociology to discuss social networks and the importance of physical closeness in constructing community support.
  • Cultural factors can affect perceptions of nearness, as some societies value proximity while others might emphasize personal space.

Art

  • In visual art, the nearness of colors can create depth and contrast, emphasizing focal points within a piece.
  • Many famous paintings exhibit nearness in spatial arrangement to direct a viewer's attention and convey emotion.
  • Photography often captures the essence of nearness, immortalizing candid moments between people or nature.

Origin of 'nearness'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Nearness' comes from the Old English word 'neara', which means close or nearby.
  • The root 'near' is related to the term's meaning and has been used in English for many centuries.
  • Similar words in other languages, like 'proximidad' in Spanish, illustrate how the concept of closeness is universal.

The word 'nearness' originated from the Middle English word 'nerenesse', which is derived from the Old English 'neah' meaning 'near'. The concept of nearness has been a fundamental aspect of human relationships and spatial awareness throughout history, shaping our understanding of proximity and intimacy.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,430, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.