Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Proximity: meaning, definitions and examples

👫
Add to dictionary

proximity

 

[prɒkˈsɪmɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in space

The state of being near or close to something. Proximity is often used to describe how close two things are to each other.

Synonyms

adjacency, closeness, nearness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
proximity

Use this word when referring to the physical closeness or distance between things or places. It is often used in more formal contexts, such as in technical or academic writing.

  • The proximity of the school to the neighborhood makes it a convenient location for families
  • The airport's proximity to the city center is a major advantage
closeness

Use this term when emphasizing the emotional or personal relationship between people, although it can also refer to physical distance. It has a more general and informal tone.

  • Their closeness as siblings is evident in how they support each other
  • The closeness of the café to my office makes it a perfect spot for lunch breaks
nearness

Similar to 'closeness', this word can refer to both emotional and physical closeness. It tends to be used in more casual conversation.

  • The nearness of the grocery store to my house is really convenient
  • Their nearness as friends grew stronger over the years
adjacency

This word is suitable when describing something that is next to or adjoining something else. It is also more commonly used in technical, formal, or academic scenarios.

  • The adjacency of the two buildings allows for easy access between offices
  • The adjacency of the park to the hospital provides a peaceful retreat for patients

Examples of usage

  • The proximity of the two houses made it easy for the neighbors to communicate.
  • The proximity of the restaurant to the office was convenient for lunch breaks.
Context #2 | Noun

in time

The state of being close in time. Proximity in time often refers to events or occasions happening near each other.

Synonyms

closeness, immediacy, nearness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
proximity

It is used in formal or technical contexts to refer to the closeness in space, time, or relationships.

  • The proximity of the two buildings makes it convenient for employees to move between them
  • The students appreciate the proximity to campus
closeness

It is commonly used to describe the emotional or physical relationship between people or things. It can have a positive, warm connotation.

  • The closeness between the siblings was evident in the way they interacted
  • There is a closeness in this community that makes it a great place to live
nearness

It describes the short distance between two objects or points. It is less formal and can be used in everyday conversation.

  • The nearness of the playground to our house is very convenient
  • The nearness of their ages made them instant friends
immediacy

This word is used to highlight the importance of something happening right now or very soon. It suggests a sense of urgency.

  • The immediacy of the issue requires our immediate attention
  • The news report had a sense of immediacy that made the viewers very attentive

Examples of usage

  • The proximity of the two meetings on the same day caused scheduling conflicts.
  • The proximity of the holidays made it a busy time for the travel industry.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'proximus', meaning 'nearest' or 'next'.
  • Its earliest use in English can be traced back to the late 14th century.
  • Related words include 'proximity' in the context of being close, and 'approximate', which means near to a value.

Science

  • In geography, proximity can refer to how close a location is to resources, affecting human settlement patterns.
  • Psychologists study how physical proximity influences relationships and friendships.
  • In physics, the concept describes how certain elements may interact more readily when they are closer together.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often become closer (or have conflicts) depending on their physical proximity, showcasing its dramatic effects.
  • Proximity often plays a role in romantic comedies, where characters who are near each other develop relationships.
  • Television shows frequently explore the idea of proximity in storyline arcs, using setting (like living in the same building) to connect characters.

Technology

  • In tech, 'proximity sensors' detect how close objects are, used in smartphones and cars for safety.
  • Bluetooth technology operates on proximity, allowing devices to connect when they are close together.
  • Augmented reality applications often rely on proximity to provide interactive experiences based on a user’s location.

Literature

  • Writers use proximity to develop themes of closeness in relationships, as seen in many novels and plays.
  • The distance between characters can symbolize emotional barriers in literature, emphasizing themes of isolation or connection.
  • In poetry, proximity can create vivid imagery, allowing readers to envision closeness through descriptive language.

Translations

Translations of the word "proximity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 proximidade

🇮🇳 निकटता

🇩🇪 Nähe

🇮🇩 kedekatan

🇺🇦 близькість

🇵🇱 bliskość

🇯🇵 近接

🇫🇷 proximité

🇪🇸 proximidad

🇹🇷 yakınlık

🇰🇷 근접

🇸🇦 قرب

🇨🇿 blízkost

🇸🇰 blízkosť

🇨🇳 接近

🇸🇮 bližina

🇮🇸 nálægð

🇰🇿 жақындық

🇬🇪 ახლოება

🇦🇿 yaxınlıq

🇲🇽 proximidad

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,125 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.