nearly

American  

[neer-lee] / ˈnɪər li /

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.

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nearly British  

/ ˈnɪəlɪ /

adverb

1. not quite; almost; practically

2. nowhere near; not at all

   not nearly enough money

3. closely

   the person most nearly concerned

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Related Words

See almost.

Etymology

Origin of nearly

First recorded in 1530–40; near + -ly

Example Sentences

"What she is doing now would not be nearly as surprising in an elite athlete whose knee was already functioning like the ACL was torn at baseline."

From BBC

The number of assaults on reporters in the U.S. in 2025 nearly equals the last three years combined.

From Los Angeles Times

Ten days later, he put nearly all of the agency’s 75 employees on administrative leave, fired the board and rescinded some previously awarded grants.

From Salon

She said she had since been told by her bank that she continued to be liable for nearly £100,000 of debt.

From BBC

This was launched by Russia nearly four years ago.

From BBC

Related Words

• approximately
• practically
• roughly
• virtually