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

The White House this year laid off or bought out nearly 5,000 Forest Service employees as part of its broader move to restructure the federal government to reduce waste and save taxpayers’ money.

From Los Angeles Times

The then-57-year-old Tyson ended nearly two decades of retirement from professional fighting last year when he fought the then-27-year-old Paul in a sanctioned bout.

From Los Angeles Times

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer nearly granted naming rights to the company, but ended up choosing financial services firm Intuit to grace the $2-billion venue, a source familiar with the matter said.

From Los Angeles Times

But less than a year after this filing, the company returned to court last month to declare bankruptcy once again, citing the loss of nearly $257 million between March and June.

From Los Angeles Times

The regulator has ordered the company to bring such practices to an end, as well as pay the nearly €3bn penalty.

From BBC

Related Words

• approximately 
• practically 
• roughly 
• virtually