adj.
Pronunciation: ' nir
Function: adverb
Etymology: Middle English ner, partly from ner nearer, from Old English n ē ar, comparative of n ē ah nigh; partly from Old Norse nær nearer, comparative of n ā - nigh ― more at NIGH
Date: 13th century
1 : at, within, or to a short distance or time <sunset was drawing near >
2 : ALMOST , NEARLY <was near dead>
3 : in a close or intimate manner : CLOSELY < near related>
4 archaic : in a frugal manner