What does appropinquity mean?
Appropinquity is a rare formal noun denoting nearness or the process of drawing near, whether in physical space, time, or abstract relation. It derives from the Latin verb appropinquare, 'to come near', built on ad- ('toward') and prope ('near'), making it a close cousin of the far more familiar propinquity. Where propinquity describes a settled state of closeness, appropinquity can carry a slightly more dynamic sense of approach — something coming closer rather than merely being close. The word appears mostly in older English prose, legal or diplomatic writing, and learned discourse, and it is seldom encountered in everyday speech today. Writers who reach for it usually do so for its archaic dignity or to avoid repetition of proximity. For most modern purposes, proximity, nearness, or closeness serves as the natural substitute, though appropinquity retains a certain stately charm in historical or literary contexts.
nounThe state or quality of being near or approaching; nearness in space, time, or relationship.
- Nearness or the action of approaching; the state of being close in space, time, or relation.
"The appropinquity of the two armies made negotiation impossible."
"With each mile the travellers felt the appropinquity of the coast grow more tangible."
"The treaty was signed in recognition of the growing appropinquity between the two nations' interests."
The plural is rare, appearing only when multiple instances of nearness or approach are distinguished.
"The memoir records the various appropinquities of family life across three generations."
Appropinquity is essentially 'propinquity' with an extra syllable of effort — the act of drawing near rather than simply being near.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of appropinquity
Appropinquity comes from Latin appropinquare, 'to draw near', formed from ad- ('toward') plus prope ('near'), whose comparative stem gives the noun appropinquitas. It entered English in the early modern period through Latin learned usage, at roughly the same time as its sibling propinquity. Its closest relatives are propinquity, approach, and approximate, all descending from the same Latin root prope.
How appropinquity is actually used
A rare, formal, and somewhat archaic word found chiefly in older or scholarly writing; 'propinquity' or 'proximity' is preferred in modern usage.
Easily confused with appropinquity
Propinquity means nearness or kinship and is the far more common word; appropinquity adds a sense of active approach or drawing near.