almost

American  

[awl-mohst, awl-mohst] / ˈɔl moʊst, ɔlˈmoʊst /

adverb

1. very nearly; all but.

   almost every house; almost the entire symphony; to pay almost nothing for a car; almost twice as many books.

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almost British  

/ ˈɔːlməʊst /

adverb

1. little short of being; very nearly

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Usage

See most.

Related Words

Almost, most, nearly, well-nigh all mean within a small degree of or short space of. Almost implies very little short of: almost exhausted; almost home. Most is colloquial for almost. Nearly implies a slightly greater distance or degree than almost : nearly well; nearly to the city. Well-nigh, a more literary word, implies a barely appreciable distance or extent: well-nigh forgotten; well-nigh home.

Etymology

Origin of almost

First recorded before 1000; Middle English almost, almast, almest, Old English eall(e) mǣst “nearly all”

Example Sentences

"You're almost on something with the equivalent speed of a motorised vehicle, but not wearing a motorbike helmet," Burns says, noting that motorbike riders typically wear other protective gear such as leathers and gloves.

From BBC

The satellite images produced by the California-based company are normally available almost immediately to its clients, who include AFP, as well as other media, companies, researchers -- and potential enemies of the United States.

From Barron's

Crude oil has rallied sharply in recent sessions with United States Brent Oil Fund jumping almost 25% for the week amid escalating Middle East tensions, as investors position for potential supply disruptions.

From Barron's

Ford announced almost 2.4 million vehicle recalls in six actions, primarily for backup cameras and windshield wipers.

From Barron's

The primary culprit: Women’s wages stop growing almost a decade before men’s do, with women’s wage growth leveling off after age 35.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• about
• approximately
• around
• essentially
• most
• much
• practically
• relatively
• roughly
• virtually