Pronunciation: [nˌi͡ə hˈɑːt] (IPA) 
The spelling of "near heart" uses English phonetics to represent the pronunciations of the two words. "Near" is spelled as /nɪər/, with the stressed syllable being the second one, and the contraction of "i" and "r" representing a diphthong sound in the word. "Heart" is spelled as /hɑrt/, with the "h" being silent and the vowel sound being represented by the letter "a". Together, "near heart" is pronounced as /nɪər hɑrt/.
Near heart is a term that pertains to an emotional or sentimental connection between individuals. It refers to a state of closeness, intimacy, or familiarity that transcends mere acquaintance. The concept of near heart emphasizes strong emotional bonds that are formed through shared experiences, mutual understanding, and genuine care for one another.
When two individuals are near heart, they have established a connection that goes beyond surface-level interactions. They have developed a deep understanding of each other's thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. This can be the result of a long-standing friendship, a close family relationship, or a romantic partnership.
Being near heart involves a high level of trust, support, and empathy. These individuals are usually there for each other through thick and thin, providing a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear. They share both joyous moments and sorrowful times, fostering a sense of emotional security and comfort.
The near heart connection is marked by a strong sense of loyalty and commitment. These individuals prioritize each other's well-being and often go above and beyond to support, encourage, and protect one another. Being near heart creates a sense of belonging and contributes to a person's overall happiness and mental well-being.
Overall, near heart exemplifies the depth and strength of emotional connections that can be formed between individuals, highlighting the significance of relationships built on love, understanding, and mutual trust.
The term "near heart" does not have a single established or widely recognized etymology. It appears to be a combination of two words, "near" and "heart", which individually have their own etymologies:
1. Near: The word "near" comes from the Old English word "neah", which means close or nearby. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "*nehwiz" and further to the Proto-Indo-European root "*nehw-", meaning next or nearby.
2. Heart: The term "heart" derives from the Old English word "heorte", which was borrowed from the Proto-Germanic word "*hertô". This Proto-Germanic term possibly has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European root "*kerd-", relating to the heart as the center or core of something.
