come near
Definition
Verb: 1. To move closer to a specific location or point in space. 2. To draw close to a specific point in time. 3. To almost reach a particular state, condition, or action; to verge on doing or experiencing something.
Usage
The verb "come near" is used to indicate physical proximity, temporal closeness, or a figurative closeness to an action or state. It often implies a gradual reduction of distance or difference.
Examples
- Physical Proximity:
- "Please come near so I can see you better."
- "As we came near the summit, the air grew thinner."
- Temporal Proximity:
- "The deadline is coming near."
- "He felt a sense of peace as the end came near."
- Figurative Proximity to an Action/State:
- "I came near to resigning that day."
- "Her performance came near to perfection."
Advanced Usage
- "to come near to (doing) something": This structure is commonly used to express how close one was to performing an action, often one that is extreme or significant.
- The shocking news made him come near to fainting.
- I've never come near to solving such a difficult puzzle.
Variants and Related Words
- Approach (verb): To come near or nearer to. Often used interchangeably with "come near" for physical and temporal meanings.
- Draw near (verb phrase): A synonym, especially for physical and temporal proximity.
- Near (verb): To approach or draw close to. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Approach
- Draw near
- Close in on
- Verge on (for the figurative sense)
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Come close to: Very similar in meaning and usage to "come near to," especially for the figurative sense.
- He came close to winning the championship.
Related Idioms
- Nowhere near: Not at all close to; far from. This is an antonymic idiom.
- My answer was nowhere near correct.
Verb
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come near in time
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Winter is approaching
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approaching old age
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move towards
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We were approaching our destination
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They are drawing near
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The enemy army came nearer and nearer
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almost do or experience something
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She came near to screaming with fear
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