Nearly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈnir-lē/ near·ly

Meaning & Definition of Nearly

Nearly (adverb)

  1. in a close manner or relationship
  2. almost but not quite
  3. to the least extent

Nearly (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to a close degree

    "copy that design as nearly as you can"

    similar: closely, near
    near: distantly, remotely

  2. very close to but not completely

    "I nearly fell down the stairs"

    similar: about, all but, almost, borderline, fair (chiefly British), fairly, feckly (chiefly Scottish), more or less, most, much, near, next to, nigh, practically, somewhere, virtually, well-nigh, as good as, just about, pretty much, within an inch of
    related: appreciably, by and large, chiefly, largely, mainly, mostly, kind of, partially, partly, somewhat
    near: absolutely, altogether, completely, entirely, fully, plain, plumb (chiefly dialect), quite, thoroughly, totally, utterly, well, wholly, barely, hardly, scarcely

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Nearly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Nearly:

Chiefly British: fair
Chiefly Scottish: feckly
closely, near, about, all but, almost, borderline, fairly, more or less, most, much, next to, nigh, practically, somewhere, virtually, well-nigh, as good as, just about, pretty much, within an inch of

Related Words for Nearly

appreciably, by and large, chiefly, largely, mainly, mostly, kind of, partially, partly, somewhat

Near Antonyms of Nearly

distantly, remotely, absolutely, altogether, completely, entirely, fully, plain, plumb, quite, thoroughly, totally, utterly, well, wholly, barely, hardly, scarcely

Origin & Etymology of Nearly

First known use: 1561

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Nearly

Words & Phrases Containing Nearly

nearly gave someone a heart attack, not nearly, pretty near/nearly

Frequently Asked Questions about Nearly

What does "Nearly" mean?

"Nearly" means in a close manner or relationship. As an adverb, it is defined as: in a close manner or relationship. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Nearly"?

Other words for "Nearly" include closely, near, about, all but, almost, borderline, fair and fairly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Nearly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Nearly"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Nearly". Common alternatives include closely, near, about, all but, almost, borderline, fair, fairly, feckly and more or less.

How do you use "Nearly" in a sentence?

Examples of "Nearly" in a sentence: "copy that design as nearly as you can"; "I nearly fell down the stairs".

Is "Nearly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Nearly" is an adverb.

Is "Nearly" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Nearly" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Nearly"?

"Nearly" is pronounced /ˈnir-lē/ and divided into syllables as near·ly.

What is the origin of the word "Nearly"?

First known use: 1561.