# nearly

Pronunciation: say "NEER-lee" US /ˈnɪɹli/, UK /ˈnɪəlɪ/

## Adverb

1. Almost; very close to being or reaching something, without quite getting there.
   - Simple: Almost, but not completely or exactly.
   - _The project is nearly complete after months of steady work._
   - _Nearly everyone in the room raised a hand when she asked._
2. Closely: in close relationship or connection with someone or something (nearly related), or, in older use, close by in space.
   - Simple: Closely, as when two people or things are closely related or connected.
   - _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._

## Adverb

3. With great scrutiny; in a careful, attentive manner. *(archaic)*
   - Simple: In a careful way, looking at something very closely.

## Other meanings

- (adverb) In a stingy or miserly manner; with great reluctance to spend or give.

## Origin

Formed from "near" and the suffix "-ly", related to Scots "nerelie" (nearly).

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/nearly (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).