near

near [nir]

adv.

[ME nere < ON & OE: ON nær, near (orig. compar. of nā-): OE near, nearer, compar. of neah, NIGH]

1. at or to a relatively short distance in space or time [summer draws near]

2. relatively close in degree; almost: now usually nearly [near right]

3. closely; intimately

4. Rare in a stingy manner

adj.

1. close in distance or time; not far

2. close in relationship; akin

3. close in feelings, desires, etc.; close in friendship

4.

a) close in degree; narrow [a near escape]

b) almost happening [a near accident]

5. on the left side, facing forward: said of an animal in double harness, a wagon wheel, etc.: opposed to OFF¹

6. short or direct [take the near way]

7. stingy; niggardly

8. somewhat resembling; approximating [a near likeness]

prep.

at a relatively short distance from in space, time, degree, etc.; close to [towns near the border, the hours near midnight]

vt., vi.

to come or draw near (to); approach

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near at hand

very close in time or space

nearness

n.