Main Entry: ³near

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

1 a : not far distant in time, place, or degree <in the near future> b : almost happening : narrowly missed or avoided <a near win in the primary> <a near midair collision> c : nearly not happening <a near escape>
2 : closely related or intimately associated <her nearest and dearest friend>
3 a : being the closer of two <the near side> b : being the left-hand one of a pair <the near wheel of a cart>
4 : direct, short <the nearest road>
5 : stingy, closefisted
6 a : closely resembling the standard or typical <a near desert> b : approximating the genuine <near silk>

— near·ness noun