near

—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.

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