Next  —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) being, positioned, or living nearest. 2 nearest in order of time; soonest encountered (next friday; ask the next person you see). —adv. 1 (often foll. By to) in the nearest place or degree (put it next to mine). 2 on the first or soonest occasion (when we next meet). —n. Next person or thing. —prep. Colloq. Next to.  next to almost (next to nothing left). [old english, superlative of *nigh]