Gradable_proximity

A Figure is (stably) located with respect to a Ground in terms of how the distance between them compares to some general or contextually relevant scale. The Degree of divergence from the expected distance may also be expressed. In addition to the asymmetrical consideration of Figure and Ground, these may be construed collectively as Figures, in which case each entity is assessed for how expected its distance is from others in the group of Figures. Productive metaphors include cases where the degree of closeness or intimacy between people/entities is conceptualized as gradable proximity ("their close / distant relationship..."). The directness of familial relations is also construed this way ("a close / distant cousin"). Other metaphors involve possibility - usually of more extreme events - as proximity ("it was near collapse / extinction / disaster") and of category fit as proximity ("that was far from perfection / the truth / a miracle").