propinquity
noun
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Getting Closer to the Meaning of Propinquity
Propinquity and its cousin "proximity" are related through the Latin root prope, which means "near." That root gave rise to "proximus" (the parent of "proximity") and "propinquus" (an ancestor of "propinquity"). "Proximus" is the superlative of "prope" and thus means "nearest," whereas "propinquus" simply means "near" or "akin," but in English "propinquity" conveys a stronger sense of closeness than "proximity." (The latter usually suggests a sense of being in the vicinity of something.) The distinctions between the two words are subtle, however, and they are often used interchangeably. "Propinquity" is believed to be the older of the two words, first appearing in English in the 14th century; "proximity" followed a century later.
Synonyms
- adjacency
- closeness
- contiguity
- immediacy
- nearness
- proximity
- vicinity
Example Sentences
David Mamet, National Review, 31 Mar. 2022 For such profound propinquity, move from the free-flowing oceans to the more structured world of soil, where potential self-sacrificers can nestle next to each other. The Economist, 20 Aug. 2020 Being a young creator of any kind is all about cheap rent and propinquity. Mary Kaye Schilling, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2017 Now, a small New Jersey township is bracing for its own looming propinquity to the president. Emily Jane Fox, The Hive, 19 Apr. 2017 Word History
Middle English propinquite, from Latin propinquitat-, propinquitas kinship, proximity, from propinquus near, akin, from prope near — more at approach
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
propinquity
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- proximity
- nearness
- immediacy
- contiguity
- closeness
- vicinity
- adjacency
- juxtaposition
- abutment
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- distance
- remoteness