near

/niə/

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Sure! Let’s break down the word "near" in a way that is easy to understand.

Definition

The word "near" can be used as an adjective, adverb, or verb.

Usage Instructions

• Use "near" to describe physical closeness: "The dog is near the fence."
• Use "near" to talk about time: "The holidays are near."
• Use "near" to describe relationships: "She is a near friend."

Advanced Usage

• "Near" can also imply a close resemblance or similarity, like in art or appearance.
  • Example: "The painting is a near copy of the original."

Word Variants

• Nearest: This is the superlative form of "near," meaning the closest.

  • Example: "This is the nearest gas station."

• Nigh: An older or poetic word that can mean near, often used in literature.

  • Example: "The end is nigh." (This means the end is near.)

Different Meanings

• Near can describe something that is not far away (in space) or something that is about to happen (in time).
• It can also express a close relationship or similarity.

Synonyms

• Close
• Adjacent
• Approaching
• Almost

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Near tears: This means someone is very close to crying.

  • Example: "She was near tears after hearing the sad news."

• Near miss: This refers to a situation where something almost happened but did not.

  • Example: "The car's near miss with the pedestrian was frightening."

• Draw near: This means to approach or come closer.

  • Example: "As the deadline draws near, we need to work harder."

Conclusion

The word "near" is very versatile and can be used in many situations. It helps us describe closeness in space, time, and relationships.

Academic

Adjective

1. very close in resemblance
   • sketched in an approximate likeness
   • a near likeness
2. with or in a close or intimate relationship
   • a good friend
   • my sisters and brothers are near and dear
3. giving or spending with reluctance
   • our cheeseparing administration
   • very close (or near) with his money
   • a penny-pinching miserly old man
4. closely resembling the genuine article
   • near beer
   • a dress of near satin
5. being on the left side
   • the near or nigh horse is the one on the left
   • the animal's left side is its near or nigh side
6. not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
   • near neighbors
   • in the near future
   • they are near equals
   • his nearest approach to success
   • a very near thing
   • a near hit by the bomb
   • she was near tears
   • she was close to tears
   • had a close call

Adverb

1. (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
   • the job is (just) about done
   • the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded
   • we're almost finished
   • the car all but ran her down
   • he nearly fainted
   • talked for nigh onto 2 hours
   • the recording is well-nigh perfect
   • virtually all the parties signed the contract
   • I was near exhausted by the run
   • most everyone agrees
2. near in time or place or relationship
   • as the wedding day drew near
   • stood near the door
   • don't shoot until they come near
   • getting near to the true explanation
   • her mother is always near
   • The end draws nigh
   • the bullet didn't come close
   • don't get too close to the fire

Verb

1. move towards
   • We were approaching our destination
   • They are drawing near
   • The enemy army came nearer and nearer

Synonyms

• approximate
• dear
• good
• cheeseparing
• close
• penny-pinching
• skinny
• near
• nigh
• nigh
• about
• almost
• most
• nearly
• virtually
• well-nigh
• approach
• come on
• go up
• draw near
• draw close
• come near