nearness
The state of being nearThe state of being near; closeness; intimacy.
» When approaching the hot springs, we became aware of their nearness by the sulphurous smell that came wafting towards us.
Meaning
2 senses(uncountable, usually)The state of being near; closeness; intimacy.
(uncountable, usually)Stinginess.
More definitions
- the spatial property resulting from a relatively small distance
Examples
1 sentencesWhen approaching the hot springs, we became aware of their nearness by the sulphurous smell that came wafting towards us.
Origin
From Middle English nernes, equivalent to near + -ness. Cognate with West Frisian nearensFrom Middle English nernes, equivalent to near + -ness. Cognate with West Frisian nearens (“nearness”).
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Forms
plural: nearnesses| Singular | nearness |
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uncountable
Synonyms
2 synonymsClose in meaning
- the spatial property resulting from a relatively small distance:closeness
Antonyms
3 antonymsWord family
1 related wordsRelatednear
Lessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable