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nearly

/ˈnɪərli/
adverb★Beginner💡 almost, but not quite

“She nearly missed the train.”

She almost missed the train, but she made it just in time.

general

almost, but not quite

We nearly finished the project on time.

We almost completed the project on time, but there was a slight delay.

He was nearly late for the meeting.

He almost arrived late for the meeting, but he managed to get there just in time.

💡

Used to describe something that almost happened but did not quite occur.

Collocations

nearly allalmost allnearly donealmost finishednearly therealmost at the destination or goal

Synonyms

almostclose tojust aboutpractically

Antonyms

completelyentirelytotally

Related Phrases

nearly therephrase
almost at the destination or goal
nearly allphrase
almost all

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

'Nearly' is often used to describe a situation that was very close to happening but did not actually happen. It can also be used to describe a quantity or time that is almost reached.

⚡Gold Rule

Grammar Rule

'Nearly' is an adverb and is typically used before the main verb or adjective it modifies.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'nearly,' from 'neare' (near) + '-ly' (adverb suffix).

📝Usage Notes

Often used to describe a situation that was very close to happening but did not actually happen. Can also be used to describe a quantity that is almost complete or a time that is almost reached.

Word Breakdown

near
close in distance or time
root
+
-ly
adverb suffix
suffix
English Dictionary

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Words of the Year

The most notable words that defined each year. Discover the vocabulary that shaped our world.