Nearest - Definitions from Dictionary.com

3 results for: Nearest

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near

Audio Help [neer] Pronunciation Key adverb, -er, -est, adjective, -er, -est, preposition, verb

–adverb

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.	Nautical. close to the wind.

7.	Archaic. in a thrifty or stingy manner.

–adjective

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.

–preposition

19.	at, to, or within a short distance, or no great distance, from or of: regions near the equator.

20.	close to in time: near the beginning of the year.

21.	close to a condition or state: He is near death.

–verb (used with object), verb (used without object)

22.	to come or draw near; approach: The boat neared the dock. Storm clouds neared.

—Idiom

23.

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.

[Origin: bef. 900; ME nere, OE néar, comp. of néah nigh

]

—Related forms

nearness, noun

—Synonyms 11. imminent, impending, approaching. 17. tight, miserly.

—Antonyms 1, 2, 8–11, 18. far. 17. generous.

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Nearest

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

near Audio Help (nîr) Pronunciation Key
adv. near·er, near·est

To, at, or within a short distance or interval in space or time.
Just about; almost; nearly: was near exhausted from the labor; near dead after the assault.
With or in a close relationship.

adj. nearer, nearest

Close in time, space, position, or degree: near equals.
Closely related by kinship or association; intimate: a near relative; a near and dear friend. See Synonyms at close.
1. Nearly occurring but not actually happening: a near victory; a near disaster.
2. Just barely avoided: a near hit by the incendiary bomb.
3. Closely corresponding to or resembling an original: a near likeness.
4. Closely resembling the genuine article: a dress of near satin; near silver beads.
5. Closer of two or more: Take the near street and then turn right.
6. Being on the left side of an animal or a vehicle.
7. Being the animal or vehicle on the left.
1. Closely corresponding to or resembling an original: a near likeness.
2. Closely resembling the genuine article: a dress of near satin; near silver beads.
3. Closer of two or more: Take the near street and then turn right.
4. Being on the left side of an animal or a vehicle.
5. Being the animal or vehicle on the left.
1. Closer of two or more: Take the near street and then turn right.
2. Being on the left side of an animal or a vehicle.
3. Being the animal or vehicle on the left.
Short and direct: the nearest route to town.
Stingy; parsimonious.

prep.   Close to: an inn near London.

v.   neared, near·ing, nears

v.   tr.
To come close or closer to.

v.   intr.
To draw near or nearer; approach.

[Middle English ner, from Old English nēar, from comparative of nēah, close, near.]

near'ness n.

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