nearness

Variant of near

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

Related Forms:

near Idioms

near at hand

very close in time or space

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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