Next

Definition

Next can function as an adjective, adverb, or noun. It refers to something immediately following in time, order, or position, or something coming after the present moment or situation.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Adverb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /nɛkst/
• Respelling: NEXT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /nɛkst/
• Respelling: NEXT

Etymology

The word "next" originates from the Old English "nexte," meaning "nearest" or "closest in time or place," derived from Proto-Germanic "*nekista-" (nearest) and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root "*nek-" (to approach).

Derivatives

• Next-door (adjective)
• Next of kin (noun phrase)
• Next-to-last (adjective)
• Next-in-line (adjective)
• Nextness (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Following
• Subsequent
• Upcoming

Antonyms

• Previous
• Past
• Last

Usage

The term "next" is widely used to refer to events, objects, or persons immediately following in sequence. For example: "The next bus arrives in 10 minutes," or "Who is next in line?"

Related Terms

• Following: Coming immediately after in time or order.
• Successive: Following one after the other in sequence.
• Adjacent: Next to or adjoining something else.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Immediately following in time or order: Refers to something that comes directly after the current moment or position.
  • Example: "The next chapter is about modern history."
• Closest or nearest in space or position: Refers to something adjacent or nearby.
  • Example: "The bakery is in the next building."

Adverb

• At the time or place immediately following: Describes the action occurring immediately after the present one.
  • Example: "What should we do next?"

Noun

• The person or thing that comes immediately after: Refers to the subsequent individual or event in a sequence.
  • Example: "You are the next on the list."