Word
nearer
Phoneticsnear·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnɪɹɝ/
UK/nˈiəɹɐ/
Definitions
01shorter distance
A2 · Elementary
adj. closer in space or time than another thing.
adj. denoting a shorter distance in space, time, or relationship compared to another entity.
“The grocery store is nearer to my house than the pharmacy is.”
“As the deadline drew nearer, the atmosphere in the office became increasingly tense and focused.”
Pitfall
The station is more near than the park.
The station is nearer than the park.
For the comparative of 'near', use the suffix '-er' rather than the word 'more'.
Synonyms
02closer to
B1 · Intermediate
prep. at a shorter distance to something.
prep. functioning as a preposition to indicate proximity relative to a landmark.
“We moved our chairs nearer the fire to stay warm.”
“The researchers set up their equipment nearer the crater to ensure the sensors captured the most accurate seismic data.”
Usage
Can be used with or without 'to', though 'nearer to' is more common in formal writing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03to a closer position
B1 · Intermediate
adv. moving to a shorter distance.
adv. modifying a verb to indicate movement toward a closer spatial or temporal point.
“The cat crept nearer as I opened the bag of treats.”
“The hikers pushed themselves to climb nearer the summit before the sun began to set.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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