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nearer

 - 2 dictionary results

near

  [neer] adverb, -er, -est, adjective, -er, -est, preposition, verb
Use nearer in a Sentence
–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 nēar, comp. of nēah nigh

Related forms:
nearness, noun

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

Antonyms:
1, 2, 8–11, 18. far. 17. generous.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To nearer
near   (nîr)   
adv.   near·er, near·est

  1. To, at, or within a short distance or interval in space or time.

  2. Just about; almost; nearly: was near exhausted from the labor; near dead after the assault.

  3. With or in a close relationship.

adj.   nearer, nearest

  1. Close in time, space, position, or degree: near equals.

  2. 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.

  6. Short and direct: the nearest route to town.

  7. 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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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