near

The word “near” means physically close to something or someone. In plain terms, close by in distance, time, or relationship — not far off.

“Near” is pronounced neer (/nɪɹ/ in IPA).

Here is “near” used in a sentence: “The bus stop is near the pharmacy.”

Words with a similar meaning to “near” include around the corner, citerior, close, close by, immediate and nearby.

The opposite of “near” — its antonyms — are off, distant and far from.

Depending on how it is used, “near” can be an adjective, an adverb and a preposition.

The word “near” comes from Old English. From Old English nēar, originally the comparative of "nigh" ("close"). Over time "near" took over as the plain adjective, while "nigh" became old-fashioned.

“Near” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

They are largely interchangeable when describing distance — "near the station" and "close to the station" mean the same. "Close" can suggest a slightly smaller gap and is also used for relationships ("a close friend"), where "near" would not fit. For plain physical distance, either word works well.

The opposite is "far" or "distant," describing something a long way off. Related terms include "remote" and "faraway." Where near means only a short distance away, its opposites stress a large gap in space — and sometimes in time, as in "the distant future" versus "the near future."

"Near" usually needs an object — you are near something — as in "near the door." "Nearby" stands alone to mean close at hand, as in "a shop nearby" or "they live nearby." Both describe short distances, but "nearby" does not require you to say near to what.