proximate

adjective

prox·​i·​mate ˈpräk-sə-mət 

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

proximately adverb

proximateness noun

Did you know?

If you’d like to approach a better understanding of proximate, and an approximation of its history, pull up a chair and get cozy with the history of its etymological proximity to other English words. Proximate comes ultimately from the Latin adjective prope, meaning "near," a source too of approach, reproach, and propinquity. Other close relations of proximate are easier to spot: they include proximity, approximation and approximate.

Synonyms

• approaching
• upcoming
• coming
• impending
• to come
• imminent
• nearing

Examples of proximate in a Sentence

the proximate cause of the fire

the proximate publication of his first novel

Recent Examples on the Web

By tapping into the talent pool of countries like Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina, U.S. companies have discovered a workforce that is technically skilled, culturally aligned, and geographically proximate. —Luis Peralta, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

This may become particularly relevant when the proximate red giant star known as Betelgeuse, located around 700 light-years away, goes supernova. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 June 2025

Sackett detailed how being proximate to the spark of inspiration for projects has benefited her clients who work in physical production. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 8 May 2025

Just this month, Education Secretary designee Linda McMahon made the case for reducing the role of the department in relation to states which are more proximate to regional education and – and workforce – needs. —Maria Flynn, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for proximate

• approximate

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Medical Definition

proximate

adjective

prox·​i·​mate ˈpräk-sə-mət 

1

a

: very near

b

: next, preceding, or following

especially : relating to or being a proximate cause

2

: determined by proximate analysis

3

: proximal sense 1b

proximately adverb

Legal Definition

proximate

adjective

prox·​i·​mate ˈpräk-sə-mət 

1

: next immediately preceding or following (as in a chain of causation, events, or effects) : being or leading to a particular especially foreseeable result without intervention see also proximate cause at cause sense 1

2

: very or relatively close or near

would be sufficiently proximate to the commencement of the defendant's trial

—Johnson v. New Jersey, 384 U.S. 719 (1966)

proximately adverb