propinquity

[ proh-ping-kwi-tee ]

noun

1. nearness in place; proximity.
2. nearness of relation; kinship.
3. affinity of nature; similarity.
4. nearness in time.

propinquity

/ prəˈpɪŋkwɪtɪ /

noun

1. nearness in place or time
2. nearness in relationship

Word History and Origins

Origin of propinquity¹

First recorded in 1400–1450; Middle English, from Old French propinquite, from Latin propinquitās “nearness,” equivalent to propinqu(us) “near, nearby,” from prop(e) “near” + -inquus adjective suffix) + -itās -ity; pro-

Word History and Origins

Origin of propinquity¹

C14: from Latin propinquitās closeness, from propinquus near, from prope near by

Example Sentences

It’s what researchers call “propinquity,” being in proximity to others.

From Washington Post

I don’t know anyone else who yodeled and yee-hawed with as much ease, even as he wrote songs titled “Propinquity” and “Grand Ennui.”

From Washington Post

Only if the paper is in the middle zone is the pull of propinquity going to matter.

From New York Times

We had similar problems throughout the Vietnam War because of Vietnam’s propinquity to China, which along with the Soviet Union provided continuous support to the North Vietnamese, including most of the weapons used against us on the battlefield.

From Washington Post

Clearly this propinquity was Merrell’s solace.

From Los Angeles Times