propinquity

American  

[proh-ping-kwi-tee] / proʊˈpɪŋ kwɪ ti /

noun

1. nearness in place; proximity.

2. nearness of relation; kinship.

3. affinity of nature; similarity.

4. nearness in time.

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propinquity British  

/ prəˈpɪŋkwɪtɪ /

noun

1. nearness in place or time

2. nearness in relationship

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Etymology

Origin of propinquity

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-

Example Sentences

The explanation for their propinquity lies not in the creation of some whiz-bang, life-changing, paradigm-bending consumer product, or the shining virtues or particularly fertile minds that grace Silicon Valley’s fruited plain.

From Los Angeles Times

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