Proximate comes ultimately from the Latin adjective prope, meaning "near," a source too of approach, reproach, and propinquity. Other close relations of proximate are easier to spot: they include …

PROXIMATE definition: next; nearest; immediately before or after in order, place, occurrence, etc. See examples of proximate used in a sentence.

PROXIMATE definition: 1. closest in time, place, relationship, etc. to something: 2. closest in time, place…. Learn more.

4 senses: 1. next or nearest in space or time 2. very near; close 3. immediately preceding or following in a series 4. → a less.... Click for more definitions.

Jan 20, 2026 · proximate (plural proximates) (linguistics) A grammatical marker that distinguishes a relatively salient referent in a given context from a relatively non-salient (obviative) one.

nearest in time, order, etc. to something. Definition of proximate adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms …

Factsheet What does the adjective proximate mean? There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective proximate. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

proximate (ˈprɒksɪmɪt) or proximal adj 1. next or nearest in space or time 2. very near; close

proximate meaning, definition, what is proximate: a proximate cause is a direct one: Learn more.

Use the adjective proximate for things that are close to each other or somehow related. Like the noun proximity, or nearby area, it comes from the Latin root, proximus, "nearest."