proximity

noun

prox·​im·​i·​ty präk-ˈsi-mə-tē How to pronounce proximity (audio)
: the quality or state of being proximate : closeness

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You're So Close to Learning More About Proximity

The fact that the star closest in proximity to our sun (approximately 4.2 light-years distant) is named Proxima Centauri is no coincidence. The history of proximity hinges on the idea of closeness, both physical and metaphorical. English speakers borrowed the word from Middle French, which in turn acquired it from forms of the Latin adjective proximus, meaning "nearest" or "next." Close relatives of proximity in English include proximal, proximate, and the somewhat more rare approximal (meaning "contiguous"). A number of other languages, including Catalan, Portuguese, and Italian, have similar words that come from the Latin proximus.

Examples of proximity in a Sentence

the proximity of the curtains to the fireplace was a cause of concern for the safety inspector
Recent Examples on the Web Greenway seemed like the perfect neighborhood given the amount of available land and its proximity to downtown and the future Panther Island, Valenzuela said. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 Because of its proximity to the equator, there is not a lot of variance between hours of daylight during the year. USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 The family dog, and closer proximity to nature, were the consolations for this new, painful distance from the dazzle of the city, as were summers in New Hampshire. Susan Dominus Emiliano Granado, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Other priorities are increasing proximity to schools for students and parents and improving transportation to and from schools in the district, Mulford said, as well as having three middle schools and three junior highs. Al Gaspeny, arkansasonline.com, 1 Mar. 2024 Words tend to occur near other words; in this way, proximity between words is similar to proximity between words and pictures. Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2024 Surface lot spaces are uncovered and there is no shuttle bus due to the lot’s close proximity to the airport. Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024 In my experience, clients are quick to take meetings with advisors in their own back yards, allowing for in-person meetings, but this may lead to selection by proximity rather than value-alignment. Janet Arzt, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Proof that California’s capital is also modern and cool, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel offers 250 rooms and proximity to both old and new Sacramento. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proximity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French proximité, from Latin proximitat-, proximitas, from proximus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proximity was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Proximity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proximity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

proximity

noun
prox·​im·​i·​ty präk-ˈsim-ət-ē How to pronounce proximity (audio)
: the state or condition of being near : nearness

Legal Definition

proximity

noun
prox·​im·​i·​ty präk-ˈsi-mə-tē How to pronounce proximity (audio)
: the quality or state of being proximate

More from Merriam-Webster on proximity

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