nearly

[ neer-lee ]

adverb

1. all but; almost:

   nearly dead with cold.

2. with close approximation:

   a nearly perfect likeness.

3. with close agreement or resemblance:

   a plan nearly like our own.

4. with close kinship, interest, or connection; intimately:

   nearly associated in business;

   two women nearly related.

nearly

/ ˈnɪəlɪ /

adverb

1. not quite; almost; practically
2. not nearly
   nowhere near; not at all

   not nearly enough money

3. closely

   the person most nearly concerned

Word History and Origins

Origin of nearly¹

First recorded in 1530–40; near + -ly

Synonym Study

See almost.

Example Sentences

Porter-Eley also pleaded guilty to opening bank accounts using other people’s Social Security numbers, thereby obtaining nearly $50,000 in worthless checks, according to the Justice Department.

From Los Angeles Times

Tensions between the United States and Iran nearly came to a head in the final year of President-elect Donald Trump’s first term in office.

From Salon

Nearly two-thirds of former MPs chose not to run for re-election, including prominent members of the former ruling Rajapaksa dynasty.

From BBC

Nearly six months after vigilantes attacked a pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA, antiwar protests — and concerns over anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim sentiment on campus — continue.

From Los Angeles Times

As of September, Vertical had $57.4m on hand – but it expects to burn through nearly double that over the coming year.

From BBC

Related Words

• approximately
• practically
• roughly
• virtually