Word
nearly
Phoneticsnear·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnɪɹɫi/
UK/nˈiəli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01almost
A2 · Elementary
adv. almost or very close to a point, amount, or state.
adv. indicating a state that is very close to being achieved but falls just short; functions as an intensifier for adjectives, verbs, and numerical values.
“It was nearly midnight by the time we finally got home.”
“The project is nearly complete, though we still need to finalise the budget reports before the board meeting on Tuesday.”
Pitfall
I nearly have finished my homework.
I have nearly finished my homework.
Place 'nearly' before the main verb or the adjective it describes, not before the auxiliary verb.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02closely related
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. having a very close family or personal connection.
adv. describing a relationship that is intimate or closely connected by blood or interest.
“The two families are nearly related through a marriage many years ago.”
“The success of the local economy is nearly linked to the health of the manufacturing sector, as most residents work in the nearby factories.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03carefully
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
adv. looking at something very closely and with great attention.
adv. with great scrutiny or careful attention to detail.
“The detective looked nearly at the marks on the old wooden door.”
“The scholar examined the manuscript nearly, searching for any sign of a hidden signature beneath the faded ink.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “nearly” in context.
Confusables
Near describes physical or temporal proximity, while nearly indicates that something is almost but not quite the case.
RememberNear is for distance; nearly is for degree.
Etymology
From near + -ly. Cognate with Scots nerelie, neirlie (“nearly”). Compare also English nearling, nearlings.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. nearly man
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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