proximate

From Late Latin proximatus, past participle of proximare (“to draw near, approach”), from Latin proximus (“nearest”), superlative of prope (“near”).

proximate (not comparable)

1. Close or closest; adjacent.
   • 1681, Burnet, Thomas, “The Deluge and Dissolution of the Earth”, in The Theory of the Earth, 3rd edition, London: R. N[orton], translation of Telluris Theoria Sacra, published 1697, page 73:

     And writing a Theory of the Deluge here, as we do, we were to exhibit a Series of causes whereby it might be made intelligible, or to shew^[sic] the proximate Natural Causes of it; […]

   • 1857, Harford, John Scandrett, The Life of Michael Angelo Buonarroti, 2nd edition, London: Longman & Roberts, published 1858, page 154:

     […] the basis of a reformed constitution was laid, by the appointment of a grand council, consisting of all such citizens as could prove that their proximate ancestors had shared in the offices or honours of the state.

   • 2019 March 11, Kotsopoulos, Nick, quoting John Kelly, “Worcester plan aims to stop owners from paving front lawns”, in Worcester Telegram‎:

     The proposed changes recognize that adequate off-street parking is an important, and often challenging, issue in many residential neighborhoods, and attempt to balance the need for off-street parking with appropriate limitations, especially in areas visible from the street or proximate to neighboring properties.

2. (law) Immediately preceding or following in a chain of causation.
3. About to take place; impending.

• (close): near, nigh; see also Thesaurus:near

• (close): distant, far; see also Thesaurus:distant
• (w.r.t. causes): ultimate

• proximate cause
• proximately

proximate (plural proximates)

1. (linguistics) A grammatical marker in the Algonquian (and some other) languages for a principal third person.

• approximate
• approximation
• approximator
• proximity

• obviative

• proximate in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• proximate in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

proximāte

1. second-person plural present active imperative of proximō