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

"We have found nearly 7,000 genes that have the alternative transcription initiation within the coding sequences. These alternative transcription initiation sites tend to be tissue-specific and associated with histone modifications," Ma said.

From Science Daily

But defying expectations is nearly impossible, especially when it comes to adapting a property as universally beloved as the long-running Broadway musical “Wicked.”

From Salon

Department of Agriculture revealed that nearly 18 million families — 13.5% of U.S. households — struggled to afford enough food.

From Salon

More than 1 million people succumb to drug-resistant infections every year, and the death toll could reach nearly 2 million per year by 2050.

From Salon

Last year, it stopped making the Fiesta after nearly five decades.

From BBC

Related Words

• approximately
• practically
• roughly
• virtually