What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proximity
Example
The hotel's proximity to the beach made it a popular choice for tourists. [proximity: noun]
Example
The company's headquarters are in close proximity to the airport. [proximity: preposition]
vicinity
Example
There are several restaurants in the vicinity of the hotel. [vicinity: noun]
Example
The park is located in the vicinity of the city center. [vicinity: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vicinity is more commonly used than proximity in everyday language. Vicinity is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while proximity is less common and is often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proximity and vicinity?
Both proximity and vicinity are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.