nearness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the state of being close in distance or relationship. Example: "The nearness of the two houses made it easy for the neighbors to become friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Provided you and I have different bodies of information, the proposition I am considering when I consider whether if A, B may well differ from the proposition you would express in the same words: the constraints on nearness differ; worlds which are near for me may not be near for you.

SEP

Tawanda Majoni, a political columnist, said: "It is clear that the MDC has made several fatal mistakes during the tenure of the government of national unity, from Tsvangirai's love gaffes to the party's cosy approach to politics during the period in question … The MDC should have used its nearness to power to gain some clout, but it didn't".

The Guardian

Marketing emphasises nearness to the customer: Commerce Bank, based in New Jersey, calls itself "America's most convenient bank"; HSBC claims to be "the world's local bank .Much of this survey will explore this change in banking fashion.

The Economist

He is part of a small band of returnees, who are attracted not so much by the history as the cheap property prices and the nearness of the City.

The Economist

Walk into a shop here, and the conversation is likely to begin: "Ga i helpu?"Given the nearness of England, an infamous linguistic coloniser, the mere survival of such an ancient language is remarkable.

The Economist

In Screamin' Jay Hawkins's "I Put a Spell on You," she seethes as the vengeful woman; she floats joyfully into Johnny Green's obscure "I Cover the Waterfront" beside a sublime flugelhorn solo; in Carmichael's "The Nearness of You," she flirts coyly; her authenticity elevates Holiday's "God Bless the Child;" and she reinvents Gershwin's "Summertime" in one take.

The Economist

This is evident in the liturgical "blessings," where, following the direct address to God in which the second person singular pronoun is used, the verbs are with great regularity in the third person singular, thus providing the requisite tension between nearness and otherness, between the personal and the impersonal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sites for economic activity are selected after taking into account factors such as nearness to sources of supply and to markets, availability of labour, climate, taxes, and transportation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The physical and chemical properties of seawater vary according to latitude, depth, nearness to land, and input of fresh water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Consequently, there is no inference to the inadmissibility of the comparison of theories with respect to their truth-nearness.

SEP

Freed from older constraints of location nearness to raw materials, markets or pools of cheap labour new businesses will go wherever they think their highly educated and well-rewarded workers will be most attracted by the quality of life.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nearness" when you want to emphasize the state of being close in either physical distance or relationship. For abstract concepts, consider whether "proximity" or "closeness" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "nearness" when simply indicating that two things are next to each other. Opt for more direct terms like "adjacent" or "next to" if proximity is the only factor.

Linguistic Context

Nearness functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state or quality of being near. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating a condition of proximity, resemblance, or close relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nearness" is a versatile noun used to describe the state of being close, whether physically, temporally, or conceptually. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used in various contexts, most prominently in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. While synonyms such as "proximity" and "closeness" exist, "nearness" offers a broader scope, encompassing both tangible and intangible proximities. To use it effectively, prioritize its use when implying a close state in either physical or relational aspect; and use other words to imply more specific states. "Nearness" serves well in formal writing but also is used in more neutral language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Proximity

Emphasizes physical closeness or the state of being near in space or time.

Closeness

Highlights the state of being close, either physically or emotionally.

Vicinity

Refers to the area or region near or about a place; immediate surroundings.

Adjacent position

Highlights the state of being situated next to each other.

Immediacy

Focuses on the state of being near in time; something happening without delay.

Contiguity

Emphasizes the state of bordering or being in direct contact with something.

Short distance

Describes the condition of objects or places that are a small space far apart.

Spatial relationship

Highlights the relationship between objects or places that are linked by space.

Touching distance

Highlights how two or more things are close enough to be touched.

Within reach

Describes something that is accessible due to being nearby.

FAQs

What does "nearness" mean?

"Nearness" refers to the state of being close, either in physical proximity or in a more abstract sense, such as emotional closeness or similarity.

What are some synonyms for "nearness"?

Synonyms for "nearness" include "proximity", "closeness", "vicinity", and "contiguity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How do I use "nearness" in a sentence?

You can use "nearness" to describe the distance between objects, the relationship between people, or the state of something approaching. For example, "The nearness of the fire made it uncomfortably warm" or "Her nearness to the English crown gave her influence."

Is "nearness" the same as "proximity"?

While both words refer to being close, "proximity" often emphasizes physical closeness or spatial relationship, while "nearness" can also imply emotional or conceptual closeness. Therefore, while they are often interchangeable, "nearness" has a slightly broader scope.