The history of proximity hinges on the idea of closeness, both physical and metaphorical. English speakers borrowed the word from Middle French, which in turn acquired it from Latin proximitat-, proximitas, forms of the adjective proximus, meaning "nearest" or "next." A number of other languages, including Catalan, Portuguese, and Italian, derived similar words from Latin proximus. Other descendants of proximus in English include proximal, proximate, and the somewhat more rare approximal (meaning "contiguous").
the proximity of the curtains to the fireplace was a cause of concern for the safety inspector
Recent Examples on the WebWithout the physical proximity, my patients seemed to take more risks.WIRED, 5 Sep. 2022 For many, that proximity of wilderness and city is a defining joy of living in Anchorage, said Frank Baker, an Eagle River resident, former member of the Chugach State Park Citizens Advisory Board, freelance writer and frequent hiker in the park. Michelle Theriault Boots, Anchorage Daily News, 2 Sep. 2022 The owner was clearly a rich man, explained Deutsch, because of the proximity of his dwelling to the king’s palace and because of a private toilet with a separate entrance in an extra downstairs room. Marion Fischel, Sun Sentinel, 1 Sep. 2022 First responders combat these infernos both from the air and on the ground, spending days or even weeks in the proximity of blazes that devour acres of vegetation and can morph in size and speed in unpredictable ways. Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Sep. 2022 Given the proximity to voting time, a win over the Irish could certainly put him over the top.Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2022 Anna said the close proximity will allow her daughter and Stefan to remain in touch. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 30 Aug. 2022 The proximity of the garden to the home calls for farm-to-table dining experiences year-round. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2022 In a statement to ABC News, a spokesperson for Kemp noted the proximity to the November midterm elections. Will Steakin, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle French proximité, from Latin proximitat-, proximitas, from proximus