Anear

Part of speech: preposition

Definitions

1. Close by in space or time, approaching a particular place or event
2. Situated at a short distance from something or occurring soon relative to a point of reference
3. Located nearby or coming shortly before or after a specific location or moment

Etymology: "Anear" is a preposition built from the prefix "a-" and the familiar word "near," and the prefix does much of the work. In Old and Middle English, "a-" could mean "away, off, from" or, as an intensifying element, "onward," so the word's shape reflects both senses. The "a-" pattern appears in other English words such as "anew" and "afar," which is likely why "anear" took the form it did. The word also has a sibling. "Anigh" is an older form that also meant "near," and it was used as an adverb before "anear" settled into use. Both words show how English once liked to attach "a-" to a plain adjective or adverb to make it describe a position or direction more vividly, a habit that has largely faded from everyday speech.

Synonyms: near, close, adjacent, alongside, beside

Antonyms: far, distant, remote, away, far-off