adv.
- at or to a short distance away.
- a short time away in the future.
- almost.
prep.
(also
near to)
- at or to a short distance away from (a place).
- a short period of time from.
- almost.
- similar to.
adj.
- located a short distance away.
- only a short time ahead.
- similar.
▸close to being (the thing mentioned).
▸having a close family connection.
- located on the nearside of a vehicle. Compare with off (in sense 3).
- archaic mean; miserly.
v.
approach.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from ON nær ‘nearer’, compar. of ná, corresp. to OE nēah ‘nigh’.