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adv. near·er, near·est 1. To, at, or within a short distance or interval in space or time: moved the table nearer to the wall; as graduation draws near. 2. Just about; almost; nearly: was near exhausted from the climb. 3. With or in a close relationship: It turns out we are near related. adj. nearer, nearest 1. Close in time, space, position, or degree: near neighbors; near equals. 2. Closely related by kinship or association; intimate: a near relative; a near and dear friend. See Synonyms at close. 3. a. Nearly occurring but not actually happening: a near victory; a near disaster. b. Just barely avoided: a near hit by the incendiary bomb. 4. a. Closely corresponding to or resembling an original: a near likeness. b. Closely resembling the genuine article: a dress of near satin; near silver beads. 5. a. Closer of two or more: Take the near street and then turn right. b. Being on the left side of an animal or vehicle. c. Being the animal or vehicle on the left. 6. Short and direct: the nearest route to town. 7. Archaic Stingy; parsimonious. prep. Close to: an inn near London. v. neared, near·ing, nears v.tr. To come close or closer to: The plane neared the terminal. v.intr. To draw near or nearer; approach: as the holiday nears. [Middle English ner, from Old English nēar, from comparative of nēah, close, near.] nearness n. |
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