Words / C2

pr-uh-PINGKW-uh-tee/prəˈpɪŋkwəti/

Propinquity is nearness in place or kinship (formal): propinquity of the clinic, propinquity of blood. Near (already in the dictionary) is everyday not far; a neighbour (already in the dictionary) lives nearby, and adjacent (already in the dictionary) is next to something. Proximity (already in the dictionary) is nearness in space, time, or relationship — the close twin, more of place than of kin. This batch: an interstice is a small gap — the opposite flavour; primogeniture is a firstborn rule of kin. Nearness is not a spare key.

Meaning

Nearness in place or kinship (formal).

Examples

• “Propinquity to the night clinic is not a spare key.”
• “Near is not far from (already in A1). A neighbour lives nearby (already in A2). Adjacent is next to (already in B2). Proximity is nearness (already in C1). An interstice is a small gap (this batch) — the contrast. Primogeniture is inheritance by the firstborn (this batch). Distance on the right object can still be exact. Distance instead of a named holder is a hole. Write the key; then the map.”

Good to know

Nearness of place or kin (formal). Everyday: near / neighbour (already in this dictionary). Close: adjacent (already in B2); proximity (already in C1). This batch: interstice (a gap); primogeniture. Nearness ≠ a key.

Near in meaning

proximity, nearness, closeness, vicinity

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