near
Pronunciation: (nēr), [key]
— adv., adj., prep., v. -er, -est, -er, -est,
—adv.
- close; to a point or place not far away: Come near so I won't have to shout.
- at, within, or to a short distance.
- close in time: The New Year draws near.
- close in relation; closely with respect to connection, similarity, intimacy, etc. (often used in combination): a near-standing position.
- all but; almost; nearly: a period of near 30 years.
- close to the wind.
- in a thrifty or stingy manner.
—adj.
- being close by; not distant: the near fields.
- being the lesser in distance: the near side.
- short or direct: the near road.
- close in time: the near future.
- closely related or connected: our nearest relatives.
- close to an original: a near translation.
- closely affecting one's interests or feelings: a matter of near consequence to one.
- intimate or familiar: a near friend.
- narrow or close: a near escape.
- thrifty or stingy: near with one's pocketbook.
- (of two draft animals hitched together) being on the driver's left (as opposed to off): The near horse is going lame.
- There is a shopping area near at hand.
- in the immediate vicinity:There is a shopping area near at hand.
- in the near future; soon:The departure is near at hand.
—prep.
- at, to, or within a short distance, or no great distance, from or of: regions near the equator.
- close to in time: near the beginning of the year.
- close to a condition or state: He is near death.
—v.t., v.i.
- to come or draw near; approach: The boat neared the dock. Storm clouds neared.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.