proximity
noun
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
Examples of proximity in a Sentence
Daryl Fairweather, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
During one of their early encounters, the pair sit across from each other, close enough in proximity for a charge to ignite but not close enough to tamper with their yearning.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2024
Its close proximity to Hyde Park also places owners in short walking distance of vibrant art, murals, world-class restaurants, and bars.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024
Many Californians live in close proximity to flammable vegetation and are put increasingly in harm’s way.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proximity 
Dictionary Entries Near proximity
Cite this Entry
“Proximity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proximity. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
proximity
noun
Legal Definition
proximity
noun
Share