come near

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Explanation of "Come Near"

Definition: "Come near" is a phrasal verb that means to move closer to someone or something. It can also mean to almost do or experience something.

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: You can use "come near" when talking about physical movement towards a person, place, or object. You can also use it when you are talking about almost reaching a point, like an emotion or experience.
• Form: "Come" is the base verb, and "near" is an adverb that describes the direction of the action.

Examples:

1. Physical Movement:

   • "The children came near the playground to play."
   • "As we walked, the mountains came near in the distance."

2. Almost Doing Something:

   • "She came near to crying when she heard the sad news."
   • "He came near to winning the race but finished second."

Advanced Usage:

• You might encounter "come near" in more complex sentences or literary contexts. For example:
  • "As the winter came near, the days grew shorter and colder."
  • "In his speech, he came near to expressing his true feelings about the situation."

Word Variants:

• Coming near (present continuous): "They are coming near the finish line."
• Came near (past tense): "She came near to failing the exam but passed."

Different Meanings:

1. Proximity: To be physically close to someone or something.

   • Example: "The car came near to hitting the tree."

2. Emotional or Experiential Closeness: To almost feel or do something.

   • Example: "He came near to understanding the complex concept."

Synonyms:

• Approach: To move closer to someone or something.
• Draw near: Similar to "come near," often used in a more poetic or literary context.
• Get close: Informal way of saying to come near.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Draw near: This has a similar meaning to "come near," but it can also imply a gradual process.

  • Example: "As night drew near, the stars began to twinkle."

• Come close: This is a synonym that can mean the same as "come near."

  • Example: "I came close to making a mistake on the test."

Summary:

"Come near" is a versatile phrase that can describe both physical movement and emotional or experiential closeness.

Academic

Verb

1. come near in time
   • Winter is approaching
   • approaching old age
2. move towards
   • We were approaching our destination
   • They are drawing near
   • The enemy army came nearer and nearer
3. almost do or experience something
   • She came near to screaming with fear

Synonyms

• approach
• near
• come on
• go up
• draw near
• draw close