Definition: not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
Usage: near neighbors; in the near future; they are near equals; his nearest approach to success; a very near thing; a near hit by the bomb; she was near tears; she was close to tears; had a close call
Definition: being on the left side
Usage: the near or nigh horse is the one on the left; the animal's left side is its near or nigh side
Main entry: virtually, well-nigh, near, nearly, nigh, most, about, almost
Definition: (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
Usage: the job is (just) about done; the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded; we're almost finished; the car all but ran her down; he nearly fainted; talked for nigh onto 2 hours; the recording is well-nigh perfect; virtually all the parties signed the contract; I was near exhausted by the run; most everyone agrees
Definition: near in time or place or relationship
Usage: as the wedding day drew near; stood near the door; don't shoot until they come near; getting near to the true explanation; her mother is always near; The end draws nigh; the bullet didn't come close; don't get too close to the fire