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When we want to describe an action which is done over a (physical) far distance, we attach the prefix 'Tele-' to the proper word related to that action: TELEvision, TELEphone, TELEgraph etc.

I am looking for a prefix to describe an action which is done in a close distance. Is there any prefix in English or Latin that can be used for such a purpose?

In Persian language, we use the prefix 'Door /du:r/' equivalent to 'Tele': /du:rnega:'r/ = Telefax and we use prefix 'Ham /ham/' for describing any kind of close (in distance or in meaning or in function): /ham-ota:Gi/ = roommate, /ham-kela:si/ = classmate

Vynylyn
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  • There is NFC (near-field communications). But that's not what you're after, I think. – NVZ Jan 15 '17 at 11:03
  • @NVZ First of all thanks for editing. I am looking for something that can be used generally just like 'Tele' – Vynylyn Jan 15 '17 at 11:06
  • Is there a particular word for which you need the prefix? – NVZ Jan 15 '17 at 11:08
  • Possible duplicate: http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/87856/what-is-a-prefix-that-means-near –  Jan 15 '17 at 11:09
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    @JOSH If you read my question, you may found that it's talking about close in physical distance and not close in meaning or in function as mentioned in that question. So I don't think it's really a duplicate. – Vynylyn Jan 15 '17 at 11:16
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    Seems like proxi should be such a prefix, but I don't really find any words with it (other than proximal, proximo, etc.). – Drew Jan 15 '17 at 17:57

1 Answers1

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The prefix peri- is used to suggest "close/near", not a common one. Though:

  • a prefix meaning “about” or “around” ( perimeter, periscope), “enclosing” or “surrounding” ( pericardium), and “near” ( perigee, perihelion), appearing in loanwords from Greek ( peripeteia); on this model, used in the formation of compound words ( perimorph).
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    This is a precise response, and deserves to be given "correct answer" status. – WS2 Jan 15 '17 at 11:48
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    One note is that peri- is usually contrasted with apo- rather than tele- (consider perigee, apogee). However, apo- is much less common and productive than tele-. – Draconis Jan 15 '17 at 16:06