What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
close
Example
The grocery store is close to my house, so it's convenient. [close: adjective]
Example
Please close the door when you leave. [close: verb]
Example
We have a close-knit family that supports each other. [close: adjective]
proximate
Example
The hotel is in proximate proximity to the airport, making it convenient for travelers. [proximate: adjective]
Example
The proximate cause of the accident was the driver's negligence. [proximate: adjective]
Example
There is a proximate relationship between smoking and lung cancer. [proximate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Close is more commonly used than proximate in everyday language. Close is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while proximate is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between close and proximate?
While close is typically associated with an informal tone, proximate is more formal and technical in its usage. Close can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while proximate is more commonly used in formal or technical writing.