close 语气强于near。指时间、地点或程度方面的接近，有紧靠、相邻的意味。
near 语气弱于close，也指时间或空间上的接近，但无“紧接，接触”的含义。
near by指距离上很近，近在咫尺。
参考例句
1. The accident happened near midnight. 事故是在半夜时分发生的。
2. China could hold a World Championship round in a near future. 中国可以举行一次世界锦标赛，在不久的将来。
3. It is unrealistic to expect better conditions in the near future. 在不远的将来指望有更好的形势是不现实的。
英英解释
v.
1. move towards
2. not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
3. being on the left side
4. closely resembling the genuine article
5. giving or spending with reluctance
6. with or in a close or intimate relationship
7. very close in resemblance adv.
1. near in time or place or relationship
2. (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished
