proximate

prox·i·mate

adj \ˈpräk-sə-mət\

Definition of PROXIMATE

1

: immediately preceding or following (as in a chain of events, causes, or effects) <proximate, rather than ultimate, goals — Reinhold Niebuhr>

2

a : very near : close b : soon forthcoming : imminent

— prox·i·mate·ly adverb

— prox·i·mate·ness noun

Examples of PROXIMATE

1. the proximate cause of the fire
2. <the proximate publication of his first novel>

Origin of PROXIMATE

Latin proximatus, past participle of proximare to approach, from proximus nearest, next, superl. of prope near — more at approach

First Known Use: 1661

Related to PROXIMATE

Synonyms: approaching, coming, imminent, impending, nearing, oncoming, pending, forthcoming, upcoming

Antonyms: late, recent

Related Words: future; anticipated, awaited, expected, foreseen, predicted

Near Antonyms: bygone, erstwhile, foregone, former, old, onetime, other, past, quondam, sometime, whilom

see all synonyms and antonyms

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