adverb
nearly
Almost, but not quite.
The soup is nearly ready, so I set the table.
Etymology
Nearly adds -ly to near. The spatial idea of closeness extends to approaching a condition or amount without quite reaching it.
More examples
- Her commute takes nearly an hour each morning.
- I nearly dropped my phone while unlocking the door.
- We sell nearly all the tickets before opening night.
Forms
nearly
near adjective — Close in distance, time, or amount.
Similar words
- almost
- More readily modifies negative words, as in 'almost never.'
- practically
- Emphasizes that a difference has little real effect.
- virtually
- Suggests practical equivalence rather than falling just short.