Nearest
/ˈnɪərɪst/
Definitions
2 meaningsClosest in space or time; most immediate.
/ˈnɪərɪst/
Closest in distance or time
The nearest exit is on the right.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're looking for a store. 'Nearest' means which one is the shortest walk or drive away. Like, 'The nearest ice cream shop is right around the corner!'
👶 For kids: The nearest thing is the closest one, like the closest toy to you.
More Examples
The nearest airport is 20 miles away.
She chose the nearest available seat.
How It's Used
"The nearest supermarket is just a five-minute walk away."
"The pilot needed to find the nearest landing strip."
The person or thing that is closest.
/ˈnɪərɪst/
The closest person
The nearest of kin were contacted.
💡 Simply: Think of it as the person or thing that's immediately available or closest to you. For example, the nearest person who knows the answer to your question is a great help.
👶 For kids: The closest person to you.
More Examples
The nearest officer to the crime scene arrived first.
How It's Used
"The nearest of kin were informed of the accident."
From Middle English nerrest, formed with the comparative suffix -est from near, ultimately from Old English nēar (comparative of nēah ‘near’)
The word 'nearest' has been used since the Middle Ages in its comparative form, derived from 'near'.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'near,' and add the suffix 'est' for 'nearest.' The closest thing!