| 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. [Middle English ner, from Old English n  ar, from comparative of nah, close, near.]near  ness n. |
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