proximity

proximity, propinquity are often used almost interchangeably to denote nearness.

Proximity, however, commonly implies simple and often temporary nearness in space; it may be used with reference to either persons or things found in the same vicinity or neighborhood

{

for centuries and centuries their nests have been placed in the closest proximity to man— Jefferies

}

{

his office geographically was just down the corridor from George's, a proximity which Harry had insisted on— Auchincloss

}

{

affected much as he might have been by the proximity of a large dog of doubtful temper— Shaw

}

Propinquity may imply proximity, but it then usually distinctively suggests closeness, sometimes even contact

{

we read a book because it happens to be near us and it looks inviting. It is a case where propinquity is everything— Crothers

}

{

they are jammed into such propinquity with one another in their new suburbia— Whyte

}

But it is more often used as proximity is not, to imply nearness in relationship

{

here I disclaim all my paternal care, propinquity, and property of blood— Shak.

}

or closeness in association, in age, or in tastes

{

environment and propinquity make for a desire to graduate from marihuana to opiates— Maurer & Vogel

}

or even closeness in time

{

events occurring in close propinquity to each other

}

{

thereby was declared the propinquity of their desolations, and that their tranquility was of no longer duration than those soon decaying fruits of summer— Browne

}

Analogous words: nearness, closeness (see corresponding adjectives at CLOSE): adjacency, contiguousness, juxtaposition (see corresponding adjectives at ADJACENT)

Antonyms: distance