proximate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "proximate" is correct and usable in written English.
It means near in space, time, or relation. You can use it to describe the closeness of two subjects or objects. For example, "The proximity of the two towns made traveling between them easy and convenient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to American government estimates, the Iranian economy is 25% smaller today than its pre-2012 growtrajectoryory indicated.The proximate cause of this dramatic plunge was the launch by Western governments of one of the most stringent sanctions regimes ever, designed to force an end to Iran's nuclear-weapons programme (see article).

The Economist

The currency falls again and the cycle has another turn.The proximate cause for the rouble sell-off is the fall in the oil price; Brent crude was below $60 a barrel this morning, WTI below $55.

The Economist

In his view, the proximate cause of this wealth decline was subprime and predatory lending.

The Economist

Swathes of Georgia, not just the enclave of South Ossetia, the proximate cause of the fighting, are in Russian hands (see article).

The Economist

The existence of the debt did not literally cause the downturn (the consensus is that the proximate cause was a run on the shadow banking system), but it made a deep and sustained contraction far more likely.

The Economist

The proximate spark was apparently a parking dispute.

The Economist

A falling dollar and trade spats were the proximate causes of this latest rally.

The Economist

If a great war begins Russian mobilisation will be the proximate cause.

The Economist

Her coup seems to stem from a passionate commitment less to Sri Lanka's sovereign integrity than to her own political power.The proximate cause may have been an attempt in parliament to impeach the chief justice, seen as an important ally of the president's.

The Economist

The economics still tends toward bundles, in other words, but the force holding those bundles together is no longer the need to produce a convenient, physical good for consumption within a proximate geographical catchment area.

The Economist

This was the proximate cause of the collapse of the government the far-right anti-Islam firebrand Geert Wilders pulled out rather than make any choices on budget cuts or tax hikes to cut the deficit, preferring to campaign on having resisted them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proximate" to describe the most immediate cause or factor when discussing complex events or situations. It helps to distinguish between root causes and direct triggers.

Common error

Avoid using "proximate" when you mean the underlying or fundamental cause. "Proximate" refers to the most immediate or direct cause, not the root cause.

Linguistic Context

The word "proximate" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that something is near, close, or immediately relevant. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in describing causes, locations, or relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proximate" functions as an adjective to denote nearness in various contexts, most commonly to indicate the direct or immediate cause of an event. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in news, science, and formal writing. When writing, remember that the word "proximate" should be used to describe the most immediate factor, not the underlying cause. Alternative words include "immediate" and "closest".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearest

Indicates the very closest option, emphasizing a shorter distance or time.

adjacent

Focuses on physical closeness or being next to something.

immediate

Highlights the lack of delay or intervention between two events or objects.

closest

Similar to 'nearest' but can also refer to emotional closeness or best match.

impending

Specifically refers to something that is about to happen or occur soon.

neighboring

Emphasizes the idea of sharing a border or boundary with something else.

approximate

Indicates a close but not exact resemblance or proximity.

nearby

Describes something that is in the general vicinity or not far away.

direct

Highlights the absence of intermediaries or intervening steps.

contiguous

Specifically refers to things that touch or are in immediate contact.

FAQs

How do you use "proximate" in a sentence?

The word "proximate" is often used to describe the nearest cause or factor. For example, "The "proximate cause" of the fire was faulty wiring".

What is a synonym for "proximate"?

Synonyms for "proximate" include "immediate", "closest", or "adjacent". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "proximate" and "proximal"?

"Proximate" refers to nearness in relationship, cause, or time, while "proximal" typically refers to physical nearness or closeness in location. While similar, they aren't always interchangeable.

Is it correct to say "the proximate cause"?

Yes, "the "proximate cause"" is a common and correct usage, particularly in legal and scientific contexts, to identify the most direct cause of an event.