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near
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb (e.g., très, gentiment).
a. près
Whenever I'm in the house, my dog stays very near.Quand je suis à la maison, mon chien reste tout près.
b. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
Come near so I can see what you're showing me.Approche pour que je puisse voir ce que tu me montres.
The cat came near without making any noise.Le chat s’est approché sans faire de bruit.
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
The day of the interview was drawing near.Le jour de l'entretien approchait.
You can tell spring is getting near when the crocuses bloom.On sait que le printemps arrive quand les crocus éclosent.
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a word and another word (e.g., par, en).
a. près de
Why is that police officer standing near my car?Pourquoi ce policier se tient-il près de ma voiture ?
b. proche de
The bakery is near the library; we can stop at both places when we go out later.La boulangerie est proche de la bibliothèque. On pourra passer aux deux quand on sortira tout à l'heure.
5. (figurative) (on the verge of)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
a. proche de (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
Violet was near despair when she realized what she had done.Violet était proche du désespoir lorsqu'elle s'est rendu compte de ce qu'elle avait fait.
b. au bord de (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
The soccer player was near tears when his team won the championship.Le footballeur était au bord des larmes quand son équipe a gagné le championnat.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., grand, petit).
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., acheter).
a. approcher (often used with "de")
We were nearing the top of the mountain.On approchait du sommet de la montagne.
b. s'approcher de
The horse is nearing its owner, who is holding a bag of apples.Le cheval s'approche de son propriétaire, qui tient un sac de pommes.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., éternuer.).
10. (to approach)
a. s'approcher
The children neared so they could hear the librarian better.Les enfants se sont approchés pour mieux entendre la bibliothécaire.
b. approcher
Denise started closing her windows as the clouds neared.Denise a commencé a fermer ses fenêtres alors que les nuages approchaient.
Conjugations
Indicative of "near"
Collins English Verb Conjugation Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2023
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