proximity
noun
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The fact that the star closest in proximity to our sun (approximately 4.2 light-years distant) is named Proxima Centauri is no coincidence. The history of proximity hinges on the idea of closeness, both physical and metaphorical. English speakers borrowed the word from Middle French, which in turn acquired it from forms of the Latin adjective proximus, meaning "nearest" or "next." Close relatives of proximity in English include proximal, proximate, and the somewhat more rare approximal (meaning "contiguous"). A number of other languages, including Catalan, Portuguese, and Italian, have similar words that come from the Latin proximus.
Synonyms
Examples of proximity in a Sentence
Pamella Pema Reid, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2025
Dublin's growth is credited to its proximity to high-paying tech jobs, good schools, high-quality housing options, and desirable weather, according to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
—Anna Lynn Winfrey, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
With the close proximity to each other, the two departments have been involved in a number of joint ventures over the years including different trainings.
—Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Activities and Experiences One of the biggest draws of staying at The Nevada is its proximity to Long Sands Beach, and a reservation at the hotel gives guests complimentary access to beach umbrellas and chairs on the sand.
—Marquita K. Harris, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2025
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Dictionary Entries Near proximity
Cite this Entry
“Proximity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proximity. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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proximity
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