Nearby
/ˌnɪərˈbaɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsLocated or situated not far away; close.
/ˌnɪərˈbaɪ/
Close in distance or time.
The nearby restaurant offers delicious food.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a playground, and there's a cool ice cream shop *nearby*. It's close enough that you can walk there easily! That means it's nearby.
👶 For kids: Close by, like your house is nearby the school!
More Examples
We found a nearby gas station when we were running low on fuel.
The hotel is located in a nearby city.
How It's Used
"The nearby park is a great place to relax."
"The nearby town has a bustling marketplace."
At or to a short distance or time.
/ˌnɪərˈbaɪ/
At a short distance or time.
He lives nearby and often walks to work.
💡 Simply: If someone says they're *nearby*, it means they're really close! Like, they could be just around the corner.
👶 For kids: Close! If you say, "I'm nearby!" that means you are close to something.
More Examples
The store is located nearby.
If you need me, I will be nearby.
How It's Used
"The library is nearby, so I can walk there."
"If you're nearby the train station, I'll meet you there."
From "near" + "by", indicating proximity. The usage evolved over time from a prepositional phrase to an adverb and adjective.
The word "nearby" as an adjective and adverb is a relatively modern development, emerging from the phrase "near by." Its usage became standardized in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Memory tip
Think of 'near by' like something that's close enough to touch.