Propinquity
noun
The state of being close to someone or something.
The propinquity of the two schools promotes a healthy rivalry.
Often appears as...
- geographical propinquity
- emotional propinquity
Usage tips
Formal
noun
Familiarity or similarity because of close relationship or connection.
Alice felt a propinquity to Frank due to their shared interest in painting.
Often appears as...
- intellectual propinquity
- cultural propinquity
Usage tips
Formal
noun
The state of being close to someone or something.
The propinquity of the two schools promotes a healthy rivalry.
Often appears as...
- geographical propinquity
- emotional propinquity
Usage tips
Formal
noun
Familiarity or similarity because of close relationship or connection.
Alice felt a propinquity to Frank due to their shared interest in painting.
Often appears as...
- intellectual propinquity
- cultural propinquity
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Spatial Connection
Used to describe the physical closeness of things or places, highlighting geographical distance.
Their offices were in propinquity, just a few floors apart.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Distance
While it implies nearness, propinquity often suggests a relational closeness that might lead to interaction.
Living in propinquity to a celebrity doesn't guarantee an encounter.
Pro Tip 3/3Extended Metaphor
Sometimes used metaphorically to express a close connection beyond physical space, like in a project.
Our collaboration brought a propinquity of ideas and enthusiasm.
Compare with
closecontiguityimmediacyintimacynearneighbourhoodproximityvicinity
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Quote examples
Howard Jacobson
British Novelist
Not everyone is fortunate enough to earn their living playing. But what draws people to art and artists is a desire to enjoy the propinquity of play. For it is the very freedom of the imagination. And what else were we born to do, but imagine freely?
Quote examples
Potter Stewart
American Judge
A person's mere propinquity to others independently suspected of criminal activity does not give rise to probable cause to search that person.
Quote examples
Germaine Greer
Australian Activist
Loneliness is never more cruel than when it is felt in close propinquity with someone who has ceased to communicate.
Quote examples
Howard Jacobson
British Novelist
Not everyone is fortunate enough to earn their living playing. But what draws people to art and artists is a desire to enjoy the propinquity of play. For it is the very freedom of the imagination. And what else were we born to do, but imagine freely?
Quote examples
Potter Stewart
American Judge
A person's mere propinquity to others independently suspected of criminal activity does not give rise to probable cause to search that person.
Quote examples
Germaine Greer
Australian Activist
Loneliness is never more cruel than when it is felt in close propinquity with someone who has ceased to communicate.
Example 1 of 3
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