proximity

Everyday

1. (formal) Being near in space; closeness: The house is in close proximity to the school. tree →
2. Being near in time or in relationship. tree →

In the lessons

Used in science, geography and formal or exam writing: «Plants in close proximity compete for light». In safety: «Keep in close proximity to an adult». In maths, proximity is about distance — how near two points are. Phrases: «in close proximity to», «in the proximity of», «proximity sensor».

Examples

• Our school is in close proximity to the park. tree →
• Do not play in the proximity of the railway. tree →
• The proximity of the sea made the air salty. tree →
• A proximity sensor stops the door closing on you. tree →
• Trees growing in close proximity share water. tree →
• The town's proximity to the airport makes it noisy. tree →
• She used to value a lodging entirely according to its proximity to the theatre. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Formal; everyday words: nearness, closeness, near. «Close proximity» is common though it repeats the idea. Adjective form: proximate (rare); «approximate» is related.