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near Definition

near (nir)

adverb

  1. at or to a relatively short distance in space or time summer draws near
  2. relatively close in degree; almost: now usually nearly near right
  3. closely; intimately
  4. Rare in a stingy manner

Etymology: ME nere < ON & OE: ON nær, near (orig. compar. of nā-): OE near, nearer, compar. of neah, nigh

adjective

  1. close in distance or time; not far
  2. close in relationship; akin
  3. close in feelings, desires, etc.; close in friendship
    1. close in degree; narrow a near escape
    2. almost happening a near accident
  5. on the left side, facing forward: said of an animal in double harness, a wagon wheel, etc.
  6. short or direct take the near way
  7. stingy; niggardly
  8. somewhat resembling; approximating a near likeness

at a relatively short distance from in space, time, degree, etc.; close to towns near the border, the hours near midnight

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to come or draw near (to); approach

near Related Forms
near′·ness noun
near Idioms

near at hand

very close in time or space

near Synonyms

near

modif.

  1. Not distant in space

    nigh, adjacent, adjoining, proximal, neighboring, not remote, close at hand, proximate, contiguous, handy, near by, hard by, next door to, at close quarters, beside, side by side, in close proximity; see also bordering.

    Antonyms distant*, removed, far off.

  2. Not distant in relationship

    touching, affecting, akin; see friendly 1, related 3.

  3. Not distant in time

    at hand, approaching, next; see coming 1, expected 2, imminent.

near Quotes

We are as near to heaven by sea as by land!

—Gilbert, Sir Humphrey

Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou.

—Bible (Old Testament)

He seems so near and yet so far.

—Tennyson