Nærliggende

Nærliggende is a Norwegian word that functions as an adjective and, in some constructions, as a predicative modifier meaning “nearby” or “proximate,” and figuratively “obvious” or “plausible.” It is used to describe things that are physically close or concepts that are naturally relevant or worth considering in a given context.

As a descriptive term, nærliggende can modify nouns in phrases such as nærliggende områder (nearby areas) or nærliggende årsak (proximate cause). It can also appear in predicative constructions with the infinitive, as in Det er nærliggende å anta at … (It is natural/obvious to assume that …). In this sense, the word carries a sense of relevance or immediacy without asserting absolute certainty.

Etymology and register: nærliggende derives from nær meaning “near” with the adjectival suffix -lig, a common derivational pattern in Norwegian. The word tends to be neutral to formal in tone, making it common in journalism, law, medicine, and academic writing, but it is also found in everyday language when someone wishes to indicate proximity or a compelling inference.

Nuances and related terms: nærliggende emphasizes proximity—spatial, conceptual, or argumentative—without guaranteeing truth. It is related to words like nær (near) and nærhet (proximity), and to phrases such as nærliggende alternativer (plausible alternatives) or nærliggende spørsmål (obvious questions). It should not be confused with more emphatic terms for certainty; use of nærliggende signals reasonableness rather than conclusiveness.