Near
/nɪər/
Definitions
3 meaningsLocated at a short distance or time from something.
/nɪər/
Close in distance or time
My house is near the park.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a park. If your friend is 'near' the swings, it means they aren't very far away from them—maybe just a few steps!
👶 For kids: Close by, not far away.
More Examples
The concert is near the end of the month.
The train station is near to the hotel.
How It's Used
"The coffee shop is near my office."
"The town is near the coast."
Close in space or time.
/nɪər/
At or to a short distance or time
The deadline is drawing near.
💡 Simply: Imagine you are reaching for a cookie. If you are 'near' the cookie, it means your hand is close to it, maybe about to grab it!
👶 For kids: Close to something.
More Examples
Come near so I can whisper.
The car is pulling near the curb.
How It's Used
"The end is drawing near."
"Come near, I can't hear you."
To come closer to something in space or time; to approach.
/nɪər/
To approach or come close to
As we neared the town, we could see the lights.
💡 Simply: Imagine walking towards a playground. When you start to get closer to the playground, you are 'nearing' it.
👶 For kids: To get closer.
More Examples
The storm is nearing.
The ship is nearing the shore.
How It's Used
"As we neared the summit, the air grew thin."
"She neared the end of her journey."
Idioms & expressions
near and dear
Beloved; precious; highly valued.
"Family is near and dear to me."
near miss
A situation where something bad almost happens, but is avoided.
"The accident was a near miss; luckily, no one was hurt."
near future
The time period relatively close to the present.
"I'm planning a trip in the near future."
From Old English *nēar* (comparative of *nēah* 'near'), from Proto-Germanic *nēhwiz* (comparative of *nēhwō* 'near').
The word 'near' has been in use since Old English times, evolving from its comparative form.
Memory tip
Think of the opposite: Far away, near, close.
Word Origin
"close"