nearest

near  (nîr)

adv. 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.

adj. 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.

a. Nearly occurring but not actually happening: a near victory; a near disaster.

b. Just barely avoided: a near hit by the incendiary bomb.

4.

a. Closely corresponding to or resembling an original: a near likeness.

b. Closely resembling the genuine article: a dress of near satin; near silver beads.

5.

a. Closer of two or more: Take the near street and then turn right.

b. Being on the left side of an animal or a vehicle.

c. Being the animal or vehicle on the left.

6. Short and direct: the nearest route to town.

7. Stingy; parsimonious.

prep.

Close to: an inn near London.

v. neared, near·ing, nears

v.tr.

To come close or closer to.

v.intr.

To draw near or nearer; approach.

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[Middle English ner, from Old English nar, from comparative of nah, close, near.]

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nearness n.

Thesaurus

Adv.

1.

nearest - (superlative of `near' or `close') within the shortest distance; "that was the time he came nearest to death" closest, nighest superlative - an exaggerated expression (usually of praise); "the critics lavished superlatives on it"