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3 dictionary results for: nearest
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
near       [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.
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]

nearness, noun

11. imminent, impending, approaching. 17. tight, miserly.
1, 2, 8–11, 18. far. 17. generous.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
near       (nîr)  Pronunciation Key 
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.
  3. Short and direct: the nearest route to town.
  4. 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.
WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
nearest

adverb
(superlative of 'near' or 'close') within the shortest distance; "that was the time he came nearest to death" 

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