nearby

UK: ˌnɪəˈbaɪ | US: ˌnɪrˈbaɪ

Definition

  1. adj. located a short distance away

  2. adv. at or to a short distance away

Structure
near <close>by <near, beside>
Etymology

The word "nearby" combines "near," derived from Old English nēar (comparative of nēah, meaning "close"), and "by," from Old English bī ("near, beside"). Together, they reinforce proximity, evolving naturally in Middle English to describe something or someone close in space. The compound retains the original sense of both morphemes, making its meaning intuitive.

Examples

  1. She lives in a nearby village.

  2. The café is nearby, just a five-minute walk.

  3. They parked their car nearby and walked to the stadium.

  4. A nearby explosion startled the residents.

  5. He glanced at the nearby clock and realized he was late.