near definition

1. not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
• examples: near neighbors
• examples: in the near future
• examples: they are near equals
• examples: his nearest approach to success
• examples: a very near thing
• examples: a near hit by the bomb
• examples: she was near tears
• examples: she was close to tears
• examples: had a close call
2. being on the left side
• examples: the near or nigh horse is the one on the left
• examples: the animal's left side is its near or nigh side
3. closely resembling the genuine article
• examples: near beer
• examples: a dress of near satin
4. near in time or place or relationship
• examples: as the wedding day drew near
• examples: stood near the door
• examples: don't shoot until they come near
• examples: getting near to the true explanation
• examples: her mother is always near
• examples: The end draws nigh
• examples: the bullet didn't come close
• examples: don't get too close to the fire