nearnɪər(adv. and adj.; prep.; v.)near•er, near•est

1. (adv.)at, within, or to a short distance; close in space.

2. close in time:

   The new year draws near.

3. closely with respect to connection, similarity, etc. (often used in combination):

   a near-standing position.

4. almost; nearly:

   a period of near 30 years.

5. Naut. close to the wind.

   Category: Nautical, Navy

6. Archaic. in a thrifty or stingy manner.

7. (adj.)being close by; not distant:

   the near fields.

8. being the lesser in distance:

   the near side.

9. short or direct:

   the near road.

10. close in time:

    the near future.

11. closely related or connected:

    our nearest relatives.

12. close to an original:

    a near translation.

13. intimate or familiar:

    a near and dear friend.

14. narrow or close:

    a near escape.

15. thrifty or stingy.

16. (of a vehicle, single animal, or pair of animals hitched side by side) designating the left as seen from the rider's or driver's viewpoint

    Category: Common Vocabulary

    Ref: (opposed to off 1 48 ).

17. (prep.)at, to, or within a short distance, or no great distance, from:

    regions near the equator.

18. close to in time:

    near the beginning of the year.

19. close to a condition or state:

    to be near death.

20. (v.i.)to come or draw near; approach.

Idioms for near:

1. near at hand, in the immediate vicinity. in the near future.

   Category: Idiom

Origin of near:

bef. 900; ME nere, OE nēar, comp. of nēahnigh

near′ness(n.)