proches

Proches is the plural of proche, a French word used as both an adjective and a noun to denote people who are near or close to someone in a social, emotional, or familial sense. As a term of reference, les proches typically means close relatives and intimate associates—often immediate family such as spouses, parents, children, and siblings, but it can also include close friends and other trusted persons who form a person’s inner circle.

In everyday language, proches emphasizes closeness and dependability rather than formal ties. In legal, administrative, and policy contexts, the term is used to identify next of kin or individuals who have a recognized role in decisions about a person’s welfare, inheritance, or care. The phrase proches aidants refers to family members or others who provide informal care to someone who is ill or dependent, a role increasingly acknowledged in social support systems.

Etymology: proche derives from Old French proche, ultimately tracing to Latin proximus, meaning “nearest” or “near.” The plural proches is formed by adding the usual French plural ending.

In sociology and anthropology, proches are a core component of social networks and kinship systems, contributing to social support, caregiving, and resilience. The concept highlights how intimate ties shape daily life, risk, and resource sharing, and how perceptions of who counts as a proche can vary across culture, context, and individual circumstance.