proximity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "proximity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the nearness or close relationship of two or more people, places, or things. For example, "The two restaurants are in close proximity, so it's easy for us to choose which one to go to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Film

Politics

Arts

Environment

Technology

Opinion

Sport

Higher Education

Social Care

Music

Books

Science

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From bubonic plague in the middle ages to bird flu or Sars in the 21st century, infectious diseases have spread horrifyingly fast in cities, where people live in close proximity and sometimes crowded together.

The Guardian

Light lunches are provided in some instances and in all other cases subsided lunch options are made available in close proximity to the course.

The Guardian

The moderation of its Republicans on social issues stems in part from the state's proximity to the Gomorrah of liberalism, Boston.

The Guardian

The Patriot-News's opinion editor, John Micek, told the Guardian: "Our panning of the Gettysburg Address has long been a part of the Patriot-News lore and always a bit of a nettle in our side, given our proximity to Gettysburg [about 30 miles away] and the huge place the battle has in the region's history.

The Guardian

While black-garbed goths talked of death and the afterlife, hip-hop artists lived in close proximity to actual death, then were killed, and had their records reissued – perhaps they even knew how it would pan out from the moment they picked up a mike.

The Guardian - Music

Jayaben Desai, trade unionist, born 2 April 1933; died 23 December 2010 This article was amended on 23 February 2012 to remove a reference to Gujarat's proximity to Pakistan.

The Guardian

I grew up on the South Island of New Zealand, in a city chosen and beloved by my parents for its proximity to the mountains – Christchurch is two hours distant from the worn saddle of Arthur's Pass, the mountain village that was and is my father's spiritual touchstone, his chapel and cathedral in the wild.

The Guardian - Books

It is this lack of proximity that partly explains why Sampi's career has yet to fly.

The Guardian - Film

Perhaps because of its proximity to Canberra, the Sydney Writers' Festival has always done politics well, attracting well known politicians and political journalists, and I saw two events that day on writing and politics that intersected in interesting ways: Carr on his Diary, and How Do Novelists Engage with Politics?

The Guardian - Books

The proximity dictates what happens physically – you don't need to telegraph physicality in that kind of environment.

The Guardian

The design of this development was very controversial when it got the go-ahead, owing to the sensitivities of the site with its proximity to historic St Paul's.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the spatial relationship between two objects or places, use "proximity" to emphasize their nearness, as in "The hotel's proximity to the airport is a major advantage."

Common error

Avoid using "proximity" when you mean "similarity". "Proximity" refers to nearness in space, time, or relationship, while "similarity" refers to resemblance or likeness. For example, say "The "similarity between" the two concepts is striking", not "The proximity between the two concepts is striking."

Linguistic Context

Proximity functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state of being near in space, time, or relationship. Ludwig AI indicates the word is correct and usable. Examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as spatial nearness, relationship closeness, etc.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

10%

Books

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Technology

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proximity" is a versatile noun indicating nearness in space, time, or relationship. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It's crucial to differentiate "proximity" from "similarity", as they address different concepts. Usage is frequent across diverse sources, especially in news, travel, and literature. Recognizing its function and purpose will allow you to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearness

Focuses on the state of being close or near, often implying a shorter distance.

closeness

Emphasizes a close relationship or bond, which can be physical or emotional.

vicinity

Refers to the surrounding area or neighborhood, indicating general location.

adjacency

Highlights the condition of being next to or adjoining something.

contiguity

Stresses the unbroken sequence or contact between things.

juxtaposition

Places two things side by side, often to highlight contrast.

propinquity

A more formal term for nearness in space, time, or relationship.

immediate surroundings

Focuses on the area directly around a particular point or object.

close quarters

Implies a confined space where people or things are very near each other.

spatial relationship

Describes the arrangement of objects in space and their relative positions.

FAQs

How can I use "proximity" in a sentence?

"Proximity" refers to the state of being near in space, time, or relationship. For instance, "The store's "location proximity" to the university makes it popular with students."

What are some synonyms for "proximity"?

Alternatives to "proximity" include "nearness", "closeness", "vicinity", and "adjacency". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in close proximity"?

Yes, "in close proximity" is a common and acceptable phrase. It emphasizes the nearness or closeness of two things. For example, "The houses are "in close proximity to" each other."

What's the difference between "proximity" and "adjacency"?

"Proximity" refers to the general state of being near, while "adjacency" specifically means being next to or adjoining. You could say two buildings are in "proximity" if they're nearby, but they're only "adjacent" if they share a common boundary.