Main Entry:

¹near

Pronunciation:

\ˈnir\

Function:

adverb

Etymology:

Middle English ner, partly from ner nearer, from Old English nēar, comparative of nēah nigh; partly from Old Norse nær nearer, comparative of nā- nigh — more at nigh

Date:

13th century

1: at, within, or to a short distance or time <sunset was drawing near>2: almost, nearly <was near dead>3: in a close or intimate manner : closely <near related>4archaic : in a frugal manner