përafërta

Përafërta is an Albanian word used to express nearness or proximity, and it can function as a noun or an adjective in different contexts. In everyday language, it describes physical closeness as well as temporal or conceptual proximity between objects, events, or ideas. In addition, the term appears in scientific and mathematical contexts to indicate an approximate relationship or value, conveying the sense of “near” or “nearly the same.”

Etymology and related forms: përafërta is derived from the base adjective afër, meaning near. It belongs to a family of words that express closeness or closeness-related notions. Related terms in Albanian include afër (near) and afërsi (nearness). In formal or technical writing, speakers may favor more specific phrases such as afër një vlerë të caktuar (near a given value) or përafërsi (proximity), depending on the exact meaning intended.

Usage and examples: In spatial descriptions, one might speak of një objekt që është përafërta me burimin (an object that is near the source). In temporal contexts, një ngjarje që është përafërta me ndryshimet e sezonit (an event close to the seasonal changes). In mathematics or data analysis, the sense is close to “approximately,” though standard mathematical phrasing often uses përafërsisht or afër një vlerë të caktuar to avoid ambiguity.

See also: afër, afërsi, përafërsisht, përrafërsi.

This article provides a concise overview of the term’s general meaning and common usages in Albanian.