Definition of near

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near    (nîr) KEY 

ADVERB:
near·er, near·est

1. To, at, or within a short distance or interval in space or time.
2. Just about; almost; nearly: was near exhausted from the labor; near dead after the assault.
3. With or in a close relationship.

ADJECTIVE:
nearer, nearest

1. Close in time, space, position, or degree: near equals.
2. Closely related by kinship or association; intimate: a near relative; a near and dear friend. See Synonyms at close.
3. 1. Nearly occurring but not actually happening: a near victory; a near disaster.
   2. Just barely avoided: a near hit by the incendiary bomb.
4. 1. Closely corresponding to or resembling an original: a near likeness.
   2. Closely resembling the genuine article: a dress of near satin; near silver beads.
5. 1. Closer of two or more: Take the near street and then turn right.
   2. Being on the left side of an animal or a vehicle.
   3. Being the animal or vehicle on the left.
6. Short and direct: the nearest route to town.
7. Stingy; parsimonious.

PREPOSITION:

Close to: an inn near London.

VERB:
neared, near·ing, nears
VERB:
tr.

To come close or closer to.

VERB:
intr.

To draw near or nearer; approach.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English ner, from Old English nar, from comparative of nah, close, near

OTHER FORMS:
nearness(Noun)