nearly
- 1Almost; very close to being or reaching something, without quite getting there.
The project is nearly complete after months of steady work.
Nearly everyone in the room raised a hand when she asked.
UsageUsually right before the word it qualifies: nearly ready, nearly everyone. Not nearly means far from: not nearly enough.
Similaralmost, practically, virtually
Note
It takes intensifiers, as in so nearly or very nearly. It also fits the comparison frame as nearly … as, which Ben Travers uses in A Cuckoo in the Nest (1922): "as nearly the sinuosity as is compatible with human symmetry."
- 2Closely: in close relationship or connection with someone or something (nearly related), or, in older use, close by in space.
As the dead man's only brother, he was the person most nearly concerned in the will.
Those who are nearly allied by blood often inherit before more distant kin.
UsageMostly before words of relation: nearly related, nearly concerned. Here it means closely, not almost.
Note
Melville's man in Omoo (1847), "nearly related to a high chief," is close kin, not almost kin. In the 1837 Dublin University Magazine, a family's honor "too nearly concerned" is one touched too closely for gossip.
- 3With great scrutiny; in a careful, attentive manner.
Note
An archaic meaning: examining something closely or carefully. John Florio's 1603 translation of Montaigne has a reader who has "nearely looked into my humours." There it renders the French de près, "closely." A modern reader would take nearly looked as the "almost" meaning, so write closely or carefully for this sense. Keep nearly for quoting or imitating older prose.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 5 facts
- The illustrated sense is examining something closely or carefully. en.wiktionary.org
- John Florio's translation of Montaigne was first published in 1603. clarklibrary.ucla.edu
- The translation contains the quoted wording about someone examining Montaigne's character. en.wiktionary.org
- The corresponding French expression is de près. fr.wikisource.org
- Here de près means 'closely', referring to careful observation. en.wiktionary.org
Less common meaning
- 4In a stingy or miserly manner; with great reluctance to spend or give.
Practice
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Origin
Formed from "near" and the suffix "-ly", related to Scots "nerelie" (nearly).
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Nearly is formed from near and the suffix -ly. en.wiktionary.org
- Nearly is related to Scots nerelie, meaning nearly. en.wiktionary.org