adv

nearly

NEER-lee

adv

Almost; very close to a particular amount, state, or outcome.

"It's nearly midnight."

"She nearly missed her flight."

How to Use Nearly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot quite there yet, but very close to it.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "near" used as an adverb of place ("the store is near") — "nearly" describes degree or extent, not physical closeness.

Common pairings

nearly finished nearly there nearly every time

nearlier comparative, more nearly comparative, nearliest superlative, most nearly superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

It's _____ midnight.

From near + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

almost nigh well-nigh near next to close to practically virtually

close almost very far near actually distant much

early Carly marly yearly gnarly pearly dearly Charly clearly similarly regularly scholarly

almost nigh well-nigh near next to close to practically virtually close very far actually