proximate

Etymology

From Late Latin proximatus, past participle of proximare (“to draw near, approach”), from Latin proximus (“nearest”), superlative of prope (“near”).

adj

1. Close or closest; adjacent.
   And writing a Theory of the Deluge here, as we do, we were to exhibit a Series of causes whereby it might be made intelligible, or to shew the proximate Natural Causes of it; […] 1681, Thomas Burnet, “The Deluge and Dissolution of the Earth”, in The Theory of the Earth, 3rd edition, London: R. N[orton], translation of Telluris Theoria Sacra, published 1697, page 73
   […] the basis of a reformed constitution was laid, by the appointment of a grand council, consisting of all such citizens as could prove that their proximate ancestors had shared in the offices or honours of the state. 1857, John Scandrett Harford, The Life of Michael Angelo Buonarroti, 2nd edition, London: Longman & Roberts, published 1858, page 154
   The proposed changes recognize that adequate off-street parking is an important, and often challenging, issue in many residential neighborhoods, and attempt to balance the need for off-street parking with appropriate limitations, especially in areas visible from the street or proximate to neighboring properties. 2019-03-11, Nick Kotsopoulos, quoting John Kelly, “Worcester plan aims to stop owners from paving front lawns”, in Worcester Telegram
2. (law) Immediately preceding or following in a chain of causation.
3. About to take place; impending.

noun

1. (linguistics) A grammatical marker that distinguishes a relatively salient referent in a given context from a relatively non-salient (obviative) one.