Word
proximity
Phoneticsprox·im·i·ty, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹɑkˈsɪməti/
UK/pɹɒksˈɪmɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. how close something is to something else in space or time. You use this when talking about being near a place or a person.
n. the state of being near in space, time, or relationship. Often used in formal or technical contexts to describe physical distance.
Examples
“The house is in close proximity to the school.”
“The hotel's proximity to the train station makes it a popular choice for business travelers.”
“Urban planners often emphasize the importance of proximity to green spaces, as easy access to nature significantly improves the mental health of city residents.”
Examples
simple
“The house is in close proximity to the school.”
contextual
“The hotel's proximity to the train station makes it a popular choice for business travelers.”
complex
“Urban planners often emphasize the importance of proximity to green spaces, as easy access to nature significantly improves the mental health of city residents.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “proximity” in context.
Adjective
01. close proximity
“The hotel is in close proximity to the city's main attractions.”
adj + noun
02. temporal proximity
“The temporal proximity of the two events suggests they might be related.”
adj + noun
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'in close proximity to'; avoid using 'near to' immediately after 'proximity' as it is redundant.
Pitfall
the proximity of the station to here
the proximity of the station
Proximity already implies closeness; adding 'to here' or 'near' is often redundant in general descriptions.
Real-World Examples
“Still, despite their long proximity to humans, the dolphin-like marine mammals have been very good at keeping much of their behavior secret.” “Parenthood shifts urban mobility toward proximity to schools and health care, often increasing work-commute costs.” “It has been declared a level 2 emergency due to its proximity to the village of Fumaces.” “Researchers followed 94 participants using phones that recorded Bluetooth proximity and calling patterns.” Etymology
From proxim(ate) + -ity, from Middle French proximité, from Latin proximitās, proximitāt-, from proximus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/proximity