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. 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

Beyond the UK, France plans to build at least six new reactors, while China has nearly 30 under construction.

Read more on BBC

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United star Ronaldo has yet to win a title since moving to the Saudi club nearly three years ago.

Read more on Barron's

Remittances were worth almost 15 percent of GDP in 2023, according to the World Bank, and nearly doubled over the following year, "indicating expanding commercial activities", said the Somali National Bureau of Statistics.

Read more on Barron's

They were based on votes counted from nearly 93 percent of the polling stations.

Read more on Barron's

Is it any wonder the Golden State has been losing jobs in nearly every industry but healthcare and social assistance?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• approximately 
• practically 
• roughly 
• virtually