What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
propinque
Example
The propinque town was just a few miles away. [propinque: adjective]
Example
She felt propinque to her best friend, even though they lived in different cities. [propinque: preposition]
proximate
Example
The proximate cause of the accident was the driver's failure to brake in time. [proximate: adjective]
Example
The proximate event was the concert, followed by the after-party. [proximate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Proximate is more commonly used than propinque in everyday language. Proximate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while propinque is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between propinque and proximate?
Propinque is typically associated with a more formal tone, while proximate is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.