— nearness , n.
/near/ , adv., nearer, nearest , adj., nearer, nearest , prep., v.
adv.
1. close; to a point or place not far away: Come near so I won't have to shout.
2. at, within, or to a short distance.
3. close in time: The New Year draws near.
4. close in relation; closely with respect to connection, similarity, intimacy, etc. (often used in combination): a near-standing position.
5. all but; almost; nearly: a period of near 30 years.
6. Naut. close to the wind.
7. Archaic. in a thrifty or stingy manner.
adj.
8. being close by; not distant: the near fields.
9. being the lesser in distance: the near side.
10. short or direct: the near road.
11. close in time: the near future.
12. closely related or connected: our nearest relatives.
13. close to an original: a near translation.
14. closely affecting one's interests or feelings: a matter of near consequence to one.
15. intimate or familiar: a near friend.
16. narrow or close: a near escape.
17. thrifty or stingy: near with one's pocketbook.
18. (of two draft animals hitched together) being on the driver's left (as opposed to off ): The near horse is going lame.
19. near at hand ,
a. in the immediate vicinity: There is a shopping area near at hand.
b. in the near future; soon: The departure is near at hand.
prep.
20. at, to, or within a short distance, or no great distance, from or of: regions near the equator.
21. close to in time: near the beginning of the year.
22. close to a condition or state: He is near death.
v.t. , v.i.
23. to come or draw near; approach: The boat neared the dock. Storm clouds neared.
[ bef. 900; ME nere, OE near, comp. of neah NIGH ]
Syn. 11. imminent, impending, approaching. 17. tight, miserly.
Ant. 1, 2, 8-11, 18. far. 17. generous.