proximity
/prɒkˈsɪm.ɪ.ti/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The state of being near something or someone in space, time, or relationship. It can also mean closeness in how two things are connected or compared.
- The hotel's proximity to the station was convenient.
- Proximity to the border raised security concerns.
- Their ideas showed close proximity in meaning.
Adinary Nuance
Proximity is more formal than simple words like "closeness" or "nearness". Writers often use it in academic, business, or official writing. It can describe physical distance, time, or relationship, while "closeness" is broader and more everyday.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sự gần
- Spanish
- proximidad
- Chinese
- 接近
- Japanese
- 近接
- Korean
- 근접
Etymology
From Latin proximitas, from proximus meaning 'nearest'. It entered English through Old French in the late Middle English period.
Common phrases
in close proximityproximity tophysical proximity
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is proximity formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal. People use it often in writing, reports, and academic English.
- What is the difference between proximity and closeness?
- Proximity usually means being near in space, time, or relation. Closeness is broader and more everyday.
- Can I say proximity to something?
- Yes. This is the most common pattern: proximity to the airport, proximity to danger.
- Is proximity used in IELTS writing?
- Yes. It is a useful formal word for describing location, distance, and relationships.