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

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

From New York Times

They were competitors and almost certainly did not plan this propinquity.

From Seattle Times

To borrow the title of Scott Eyman’s smart, generous chronicle, they became “Hank & Jim,” a pair of guys who asked nothing of each other but propinquity.

From Washington Post

As well as reflecting on the shocking propinquity of life and death, Donne is tormented by his isolation, as a patient:

From The Guardian