adverb / adjective / preposition
nigh
NYE/naɪ/
Near in place, time, or degree.
Night is nigh as the farmer points toward the setting sun.
Etymology
Old English neah expressed closeness, the meaning nigh still carries. Near and next began as its comparative and superlative—roughly “closer” and “closest”—before becoming separate words.
In context
Queequeg, was seized with a fever, which brought him nigh to his endless end.
More examples
- Solving this puzzle without a clue is nigh impossible.
- As winter draws nigh, the birds begin their journey south.
- The old cabin stands nigh the river.
Forms
nigh · nigher · nighest