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>
4 archaic : in a frugal manner