NEAR, adjective [This seems to be a contracted word, from nigher, the comparative of neh, nih or nieh; strait, narrow; to narrow] 1. Nigh; not far distant in place, time or degree. Regularly, near should be followed by to, but this is often omitted. We say, a house stands near a river; a friend sits near me; the man fell and was near destruction. And Jacob went near to Isaac his father. Genesis 27:21. Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Romans 13:11. 2. Closely related by blood. She is thy fathers near kinswoman. Leviticus 18:6. 3. Not distant in affection, support or assistance; present; ready; willing to aid. Call upon the Lord, while he is near Isaiah 55:6. 4. Intimate; united in close ties of affection or confidence; as a near friend. 5. Dear; affecting ones interest or feelings; as a near concern. My nearest life. 6. Close; parsimonious. 7. Close; not loose, free or rambling; as a version near the original. 8. Next to one; opposed to off; as the near horse or ox in a team. NEAR, adverb Almost; within a little. It is near twelve oclock. The payment of such a sum would go near to ruin him. NEAR, verb transitive To approach; to come nearer; as, the ship neared the land; a seamans phrase.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI