nearly
UK /ˈnɪəli/ · US /ˈnɪɹli/ adverb
Forms nearlier nearliest nerely nerly neerely nearely
- adverb In close approximation; almost, virtually. “He left a nearly full beer on the bar.”
- adverb (now rare) With great scrutiny; carefully.
- adverb With close relation; intimately.
- adverb Closely, in close proximity.
- adverb Stingily.
Synonyms
environ almost nigh well-nigh near close to next to practically virtually about most closely intimately
Etymology
From near + -ly. Cognate with Scots nerelie, neirlie (“nearly”). Compare also English nearling, nearlings.
Webster’s 1913
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “nearly”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details