near
Looking for the meaning of near? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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The left side of a horse or of a team of horses pulling a carriage etc.
To come closer to; to approach.
“The ship nears the land.”
Physically close.
“I can't see near objects very clearly without my glasses.”
Close in time.
“The end is near.”
Closely connected or related.
“The deceased man had no near relatives.”
Close to one's interests, affection, etc.; intimate; dear.
“a near friend”
Close to anything followed or imitated; not free, loose, or rambling.
“a version near to the original”
So as barely to avoid or pass injury or loss; close; narrow.
“a near escape”
Approximate, almost.
“The two words are near synonyms.”
(in relation to a vehicle) On the side nearest to the kerb (the left-hand side if one drives on the left).
“The near front wheel came loose.”
Next to the driver, when he is on foot; on the left of an animal or a team.
“the near ox; the near leg”
Immediate; direct; close; short.
Stingy; parsimonious.
At or towards a position close in space or time.
Nearly; almost.
“He was near unconscious when I found him.”
Physically close to, in close proximity to.
“There are habitable planets orbiting many of the stars near our Sun.”
Close to in time.
“The voyage was near completion.”
Close to in nature or degree.
“His opinions are near the limit of what is acceptable.”
Understanding "near"
The word **"near"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/nɪə(ɹ)/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"near"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "near" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "near" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "near" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /nɪə(ɹ)/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "near" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "near" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "near" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "near". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/nɪə(ɹ)/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "near" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use near in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "near" can be used in academic and casual conversations.