near

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   near in time or place or relationship

   as the wedding day drew near

2. 2
   adj

   not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances

   near neighbors

3. 3
   adj

   closely resembling the genuine article

   near beer

4. 4
   adj

   Physically close.

   I can't see near objects very clearly without my glasses.

5. 5
   adj

   Close in time.

   The end is near.

6. 6
   adj

   Closely connected or related.

   The deceased man had no near relatives.

7. 7
   adj

   Close to one's interests, affection, etc.; intimate; dear.

   It is a matter of near consequence to me.

8. 8
   adj

   Close to anything followed or imitated; not free, loose, or rambling.

   a version near to the original

Etymology

From Middle English nere, ner, from Old English nēar (“nearer”, comparative of nēah (“nigh”), the superlative would become next), influenced by Old Norse nær (“near”), both originating from Proto-Germanic *nēhwiz (“nearer”), comparative of the adverb *nēhw (“near”), from the adjective *nēhwaz, ultimately from Pre-Proto-Germanic *h₂nḗḱwos, a lengthened-grade adjective derived from Proto-Indo-European *h₂neḱ- (“to reach”). Cognates Cognate with North Frisian nai, noi, näi (“close, near”), Saterland Frisian nai (“close, near”), Dutch na (“close”), naar (“to, towards”), Dutch Low Saxon nao (“after…