Proximate comes ultimately from the Latin adjective prope, meaning "near," a source too of approach, reproach, and propinquity. Other close relations of proximate are easier to spot: …

PROXIMATE definition: next; nearest; immediately before or after in order, place, occurrence, etc. See examples of proximate used in a sentence.

PROXIMATE definition: 1. closest in time, place, relationship, etc. to something: 2. closest in time, place…. Learn more.

proximate (ˈprɒksɪmɪt) or proximal adj 1. next or nearest in space or time 2. very near; close

Definition of 'proximate' proximate in British English (ˈprɒksɪmɪt ) or proximal adjective

nearest in time, order, etc. to something. Definition of proximate adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage …

Factsheet What does the adjective proximate mean? There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective proximate. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation …

Dec 11, 2025 · proximate (plural proximates) (linguistics) A grammatical marker that distinguishes a relatively salient referent in a given context from a relatively non-salient (obviative) one.

Proximate means very near or close in time, space, or relationship. It can also describe something that is nearly accurate or exact but not completely precise.

Use the adjective proximate for things that are close to each other or somehow related. Like the noun proximity, or nearby area, it comes from the Latin root, proximus, "nearest."