What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nearest
Example
The nearest gas station is just a few blocks away. [nearest: adjective]
Example
I need to find the nearest hospital as soon as possible. [nearest: adjective]
Example
He ran to the nearest exit when the fire alarm went off. [nearest: noun]
proximate
Example
The proximate cause of the accident was a blown tire. [proximate: adjective]
Example
The proximate effect of the new policy was an increase in productivity. [proximate: adjective]
Example
The proximate event was the concert, and the subsequent event was the after-party. [proximate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nearest is more commonly used than proximate in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nearest and proximate?
Proximate is more formal than nearest and is typically used in academic or professional contexts.
