nearly

/'niəli/

Thân thiện

The baby was nearly asleep when the alarm sounded.

Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Almost, but not completely or exactly: Used to indicate that something is very close to being a particular state, amount, or condition, but not entirely so.
   • Closely, intimately: Used to indicate a close connection or relationship.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb (Almost):

  • She is nearly finished with her homework. (She is very close to being finished.)
  • It took nearly three hours to get there. (It took almost, but not quite, three hours.)
  • I nearly forgot your birthday! (I almost forgot it.)

• Adverb (Closely):

  • This is a matter that nearly concerns the entire community. (This is a matter that closely/intimately concerns everyone.)
  • They are nearly related. (They are closely related by family.)

Advanced Usage

• "Not nearly": Used to emphasize that something is far from being the case; not at all.
  • There is not nearly enough food for everyone. (There is far from enough food.)
• "Very nearly": Used for extra emphasis on how close something was to happening.
  • He very nearly won the race. (He came extremely close to winning.)

Variants and Related Words

• Near (adjective/adverb/preposition/verb): Close in distance, time, or condition.
  • The station is quite near. (adjective)
  • The deadline is drawing near. (adverb)
• Nearness (noun): The state of being near.
  • The nearness of the finish line gave him energy.

Synonyms

• Almost: Very nearly.
  • It's almost time to leave.
• Virtually: For the most part; almost entirely.
  • The project is virtually complete.
• Practically: In effect; almost.
  • He's practically a member of the family.
• Just about: Almost exactly.
  • I'm just about ready.

Related Phrases

• Nearly there: Very close to reaching a goal or destination.
  • Keep going, you're nearly there!
• Nearly as [adjective] as: Almost to the same degree.
  • This cake isn't nearly as good as the one you made.

Học thuật

Adverb

1. in a close manner
   • the two phenomena are intimately connected
   • the person most nearly concerned
2. (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
   • the job is (just) about done
   • the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded
   • we're almost finished
   • the car all but ran her down
   • he nearly fainted
   • talked for nigh onto 2 hours
   • the recording is well-nigh perfect
   • virtually all the parties signed the contract
   • I was near exhausted by the run
   • most everyone agrees

Từ đồng nghĩa

• closely
• intimately
• about
• almost
• most
• near
• nigh
• virtually
• well-nigh