next to

'next to

prep

1.) very close to someone or something, with nothing in between

= ↑beside

▪ There was a little girl sitting next to him.

2.) next to nothing

very little

▪ He knows next to nothing about antiques.

3.) used to give a list of things you like, hate etc in order to say what is first on the list

▪ Next to soccer, I like playing tennis best.

4.) in comparison with someone or something

▪ Next to her, I'm a very poor cook.

5.) the next to last

the one before the last one

▪ We'll need to buy some more wine. This is the next to last bottle.

6.) next to impossible/useless etc

almost impossible, useless etc

▪ This crossword puzzle is next to impossible.