proximar

Proximar is a verb used in Spanish and Portuguese to express bringing something nearer or creating proximity, and in some contexts it can also mean to approximate. The sense is related to making two elements come closer in space or in relationship, or to bring values, distances, or conditions closer together. In many modern varieties of Spanish, proximar is seen as less common than acercar (to bring closer physically) or aproximar (to bring near or to approximate in value), and it may be considered archaic, regional, or specialized to certain technical or formal registers. In Portuguese, proximar exists as a legitimate verb but is generally less frequent than aproximar in everyday use, with proximar appearing more often in older texts or formal/legal contexts.

Etymology traces proximar to the Latin proximus, meaning "nearest," combined with the standard verb-forming suffix -ar found in Spanish and Portuguese. The notion of nearness in its core meaning is reflected in related words such as proximidad or proximal, which relate to proximity or closeness.

Usage notes:

- In contemporary everyday language, proximar is typically avoided in favor of acercar or aproximar.

- In formal, historical, or legal writing, proximar may appear to convey a precise sense of bringing parties or objects into proximity or alignment.

See also: proximidad, proximal, acercar, aproximar, proximidad.

References to discourage or encourage specific usage vary by regional dictionaries; speakers uncertain about preferred terms should consult a regional grammar or dictionary for guidance on contemporary usage.