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nearly

adv. degree
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈnɪɹɫi// UK //nˈiəli// near·ly Archaic General-service

adv. almost, but not quite. You use this when you are very close to a total amount, a place, or a finished task.

adv. very close to a specific state, quantity, or time, but falling just short of it. Often functions as a degree modifier for adjectives, verbs, or numerical expressions.


SIMPLE

I am nearly finished with my homework.

CONTEXTUAL

The project took nearly three months to complete because of several unexpected delays in the supply chain.

COMPLEX

While the two theories are nearly identical in their conclusions, they differ significantly in the underlying assumptions they make about human behavior and social structures.

Synonyms
Origin

From near + -ly. Cognate with Scots nerelie, neirlie (“nearly”). Compare also English nearling, nearlings.

Usage

Typically placed immediately before the word or phrase it modifies.

Pitfall

I nearly have finishedI have nearly finishedWhen used with auxiliary verbs, the adverb usually sits after the first auxiliary and before the main verb.

Idioms1 entry

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