proximity

noun

prox·​im·​i·​ty präk-ˈsi-mə-tē 

: the quality or state of being proximate : closeness

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms

• adjacency
• closeness
• contiguity
• immediacy
• nearness
• propinquity
• vicinity

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

Negative views in Mexico tend to be stoked by proximity, especially when large numbers of people take up in encampments, said Tony Payan, executive director of the Center for the U.S. and Mexico at Rice University. —Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024

Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. is another big advantage. —Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

Representing the University of Texas in Austin and Texas A&M University in College Station, the two teams have long been connected not only by their geographical proximity but also by a tradition of fierce competition across multiple sports. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 30 Nov. 2024

So far, 55 Americans have contracted H5N1 bird flu this year; these were predominantly dairy and poultry workers who were likely infected through their close proximity to animals and not by consuming contaminated products. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing proximity

• in close proximity
• in close proximity to
• proximity fuse

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

proximity

noun

prox·​im·​i·​ty präk-ˈsim-ət-ē 

: the state or condition of being near : nearness

Legal Definition

proximity

noun

prox·​im·​i·​ty präk-ˈsi-mə-tē 

: the quality or state of being proximate